Electric potential – definition, formula, sample numerical
Last updated on May 11th, 2022 at 09:48 am
In this post, we will discuss the following: (1) definition of electric potential, (2) formula of electric potential, (3) solving a sample numerical problem using the formula of electric potential.
Definition of electric potential
The electric potential at a point in an electric field is defined as the work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to that point (units: volts).
An alternative definition: The electric potential at a point is the potential energy of a unit positive charge placed at that point with the zero being at infinity.
formula of electric potential
The electric potential (V ) at a point, at a distance r from a charge Q, is given by the equation:
V = [1/(4πε0)][Q/r]
![The electric potential (V ) at a point a distance r from a charge Q is given by the equation: V = [1/(4πε0)][Q/r]](https://physicsteacher.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/image-115.png)
formula of electric potential energy from the formula of electric potential
If a charge q is placed in an electric field, its electric potential energy is qV.
The electric potential energy at a point in a radial field = qV = [1/(4πε0)][qQ/r]
![The electric potential energy at a point in a radial field = qV = [1/(4πε0)][qQ/r]](https://physicsteacher.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/image-117.png)
sample numerical problem
Calculate the electric potential at a distance of 0.5 m from a charge of 0.5 mC.
Solution:
