Electric Potential & Potential Energy

Inside this lesson

Define electric potential V as potential energy per unit charge, V = U/q
Compute the potential of a point charge using V = kQ/r with V = 0 at infinity
Relate the electric field to the potential through E = −∇V
Calculate the potential energy of a pair of point charges using U = kQ1Q2/r

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Educational content covering topics typical of a first- and second-year electrical engineering curriculum. Not a substitute for accredited coursework, and not suitable for real antenna, transmission-line, or signal-processing system design without review by a licensed professional engineer.