Understanding Electric Potential
Electric potential, also called voltage, is the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a point in an electric field. It is a scalar quantity measured in volts.
Introduction & History
The concept of electric potential was introduced by Alessandro Volta in the late 18th century. The volt, named in his honor, was established as the unit of electric potential in the 19th century.
Key Units
Volt (V)
The SI unit of electric potential, defined as one joule per coulomb.
Millivolt (mV)
One thousandth of a volt, used for small potential differences.
Kilovolt (kV)
One thousand volts, used for high-voltage applications.
Electronvolt (eV)
The amount of kinetic energy gained by a single electron accelerating through an electric potential difference of one volt.
Practical Applications
Electrical engineering
Electronics
Power distribution
Electrochemistry
Particle physics
Key Formula
Electric Potential Difference
The electric potential difference (V) between two points is equal to the work (W) done per unit charge (Q) to move a test charge between the two points.