In Electrostatics (Class 12 Physics), Electrostatic Potential (often just called Electric Potential) describes the amount of 'electric pressure' or potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field.
Definition: Work done to move a unit positive charge from infinity to a point.
Formula: V = W / q.
SI Unit: Volt (V) or Joule/Coulomb (J/C).
Type: Scalar quantity.
The Electrostatic Potential at any point in an electric field is defined as the amount of work done by an external force in bringing a unit positive test charge from infinity to that point, without any acceleration.
Formula: V = W / q Where:
The SI unit of electrostatic potential is the Volt (V).
Definition of 1 Volt: The potential at a point is said to be 1 Volt if 1 Joule of work is done in moving a positive charge of 1 Coulomb from infinity to that point (1 V = 1 J/C).
Unlike Electric Field (which is a vector having direction), Electrostatic Potential is a Scalar quantity. It only has magnitude. You simply add potentials algebraically (like regular numbers).
Electrostatic potential at a point is the work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to that point against the electrostatic force, without acceleration.
The SI unit of electric potential is the Volt (V), which is equal to 1 Joule per Coulomb (1 J/C).
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