3.4 Electric Potential Energy & Potential

Front

What is electric potential energy?

Back

Electric potential energy is the energy a charged particle possesses due to its position in an electric field.

Front

What is the SI unit for electric potential?

Back

Volt (V)

Front

Where is the electric potential highest in a circuit?

Back

The electric potential is highest at the positive terminal of a power source.

Front

What happens to electric potential energy as a charge moves in an electric field?

Back

Electric potential energy decreases when a positive charge moves from high potential to low potential.

Front

What is the relationship between electric potential and electric field?

Back

Electric potential is the work done per unit charge in moving a charge from a reference point to a specific point in an electric field.

Front

How does the electric potential change with distance from a point charge?

Back

The electric potential decreases as the distance from a point charge increases.

Front

What is the formula for electric potential due to a point charge?

Back

V = k * (Q/r), where V is the electric potential, k is Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge, and r is the distance from the charge.

Front

What is the significance of a potential difference?

Back

A potential difference (voltage) is necessary for current to flow in a circuit.

Front

What does it mean for a charge to move from low potential to high potential?

Back

It means that work must be done on the charge, as it is moving against the electric field.

Front

What is the electric potential at an infinite distance from a charge?

Back

The electric potential is zero at an infinite distance from a charge.