Question

Discuss the meanings of the words "potential" and "potential difference". How are they similar and how are they different? How do these words fit in with the term "voltage"?

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Answer 1

electric potential defined as the work done against electric field (-ve work) in carrying a unit positive test charge from infinity to any point in electric field is defined as electric potential at that point.

units of electric potential is J/C (or) Volt it is a scalar quantity.

its value is zero at infinity.

potential V = -W/q₀

              V(r) =- ∫ E.dr

electric potential created by a point charge is V = (1/4πε₀)(q/r)

if net positive charge exists on a body , then its potential is positive.

if a body carries negative charge , then ots potential is negative.

potential difference ΔV defined as the negative of work done in carrying a unit positive test charge from one point to

another point in an electric field is defined as electric potential difference between those two points.

   ΔV = V_AB = V_B - V_A = - ∫ E.dr limits: A to B

it is a scalar quantity. units: J/C (or) Volt

electric voltage is electric potential energy per unit charge is called as voltage.

voltge measures the energy contained in an electric field (or) electric circuit .

it is a scalar quantity. the units: J/C (or) Volt

these three quantities have same units and these three quantities are scalar quantities.