Electric Potential Calculator

What Is Electric Potential?

Electric potential at a point is the work per unit charge needed to bring a test charge from infinity to that location. It is a scalar quantity measured in volts.

Point Charge Formula

For a point charge in a medium with relative permittivity $\epsilon_r$:

$$V = k \frac{Q}{\epsilon_r r} = \frac{Q}{4\pi\epsilon_0 \epsilon_r r}$$

where $k \approx 8.99 \times 10^9\,\text{N·m}^2/\text{C}^2$, $Q$ is charge, and $r$ is distance from the charge.

Example: 0.4 µC at 10 cm in vacuum gives about 36 kV. Negative charge produces negative potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is electric potential the same as voltage?

Potential at a point is an absolute value referenced to infinity. Voltage is the potential difference between two points.

Can electric potential be negative?

Yes. A negative point charge creates negative potential at nearby points. Positive charge creates positive potential.

How does relative permittivity affect potential?

Higher relative permittivity reduces the potential for the same charge and distance because the medium weakens the electric field.

What is the SI unit of electric potential?

The volt (V). One volt equals one joule of work per coulomb of charge moved.

Is electric potential a vector?

No. Potential has magnitude only. Electric field is the vector quantity related to how potential changes in space.

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What Is Electric Potential?

Point Charge Formula

Frequently Asked Questions

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