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Electric potential is like electric potential energy, except electric potential energy requires that you have at least two charged particles: one charged particle (can be considered to be stationary) to produce the electric field and another charged particle to be affected by that electric field.
If both charged particles are positively charged, then when you move the nonstationary charged particle closer to the stationary charged particle, potential energy of the system increases, because the charged particles naturally want to repel.
However, let's say you remove that nonstationary charged particle and are left with just the single charged particle. There is no more potential energy in the system, because there is no other charged particle to be acted upon by the electric field. However, the single charged particle still emits an electric field. This field is what creates "electric potential." Even though there is no second particle in the system, if you were to place a second particle into the system (let's call it a test particle), its potential energy would be equal to the electric potential multiplied by the charge of the test particle.
U = kq1q2/r (electric potential energy with 2 charges, where the 0 of potential energy is infinitely far away)
V = kq1/r (electric potential requiring only 1 charge)
V = U/q2 (electric potential is potential energy without the second charge)
U = Vq2 (electric potential energy is electric potential multiplied by second charge)
There is also a concept called gravitational potential, where it's gravitational potential energy divided by the test mass.
It can be a negatively charged particle. In that case, electric potential decreases as you get closer to the negatively charged particle. Even though electric potential decreases, if you have two negatively charged particles, electric potential energy increases as you move the 2nd negative charge closer to the first charge. This is because multiplying 2 negative charges makes a positive:
U = k(-q1)*(-q2)/r = kq1q2/r (assuming q1 and q2 are the charge magnitudes)
So in this case, it's a little weird because that's how the math works. Nature has a tendency to reduce potential energy, but potential is different and doesn't work the same way.
However if the test charge was positive, the sign of electric potential energy will be the same as electric potential with respect to location.
V = k(-q1)/r = -kq1/r
U = k(-q1)(q2)/r = -kq1q2/r
Potential energy is not the same as potential! They are related, but don't get them confused. Energy is measured in Joules. Potential is measured in Volts. Completely different units.
Volts = Number of Joules / Number of Coulombs.
Electric Potential = Electric Potential Energy / Charge of Test Particle
What else can I help you with?
How is potential energy used to produce useful energy?
Potential Energy of WATER used to produce Electrical Energy in Hydropower Stations. The potential energy in Water stored at height in Constructed DAMS, moves Turbines when Water FLOWS through them. Turbines then rotates Generators and Produce Electrical Energy widely used by Human Endeavours (Domestic & Industrial Purposes).
What transfer gravitational potential to kinetic to electrical current?
In a hydroelectric power plant, gravitational potential energy of water stored in a reservoir is transferred to kinetic energy as it flows through turbines, which rotates a generator to produce electrical current.
How is produce current?
Current is created when electrical charges move through a wire or other conductor. It can be produced by rotating magnetic fields (as in a generator) or by connecting a source of higher electrical potential (charge) to one of lower electrical potential, which can cause the movement of charges from one point to another.
What is another term for electrical potential?
Another term for electrical potential is voltage.
Gravitational potential to kinetic to electrical current conversion?
In this process, gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as an object falls. This kinetic energy can then be used to generate electrical current through devices like generators, which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. The overall energy conversion involves multiple stages and processes to ultimately produce electrical current from gravitational potential energy.
How waterfalls create energy?
The rapids produce kinetic energy, which will then be converted to electrical energy. Change in river altitude (head) is potential energy
What is the relationship between the movement of charged particles and the generation of electrical energy potential or kinetic?
The movement of charged particles creates electrical energy potential or kinetic energy. When charged particles flow through a conductor, such as a wire, they generate an electric current which can be harnessed to produce electrical energy. This movement of charged particles is the basis for how electrical energy is generated in various devices and systems.
Is an electrical outlet an example of chemical energy?
An electrical outlet is a physical object. It does not produce energy. What does produce the energy is electricity, which travels through the outlet to power your devices. Electricity is its own form of energy, called "electrical energy."So, no, an outlet is not an example of chemical energy.
What energy changes in an electric fan?
In an electric fan, electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy to produce the spinning motion of the blades. Some electrical energy is also converted into heat energy due to friction in the moving parts of the fan.
What energy transformation does a dryer produce?
A dryer produces thermal energy transformation, converting electrical energy into heat to dry clothes by increasing their temperature and aiding in the evaporation of water.
Which unit is used when measuring electrical potential?
The most common unit of electrical potential is the Volt (V)
What turns gravitational potential energy into electrical energy?
Gravitational potential energy can be converted into electrical energy through hydroelectric power generation. This process involves using the kinetic energy of flowing water to turn turbines, which in turn drive generators to produce electricity.
