Electric Potential & Energy in Electric Fields Explained | Chapter 23 of University Physics
Electric Potential & Energy in Electric Fields Explained | Chapter 23 of University Physics Chapter 23 introduces electric potential—a scalar, energy-based perspective on electrostatics that often simplifies calculations compared to vector force approaches. You’ll learn about electric potential energy, voltage (potential difference), equipotential surfaces, and how electric fields relate to potential through gradients and line integrals. Watch the full video summary here for detailed derivations and examples. Electric Potential Energy (U) Electric potential energy ( U ) is stored due to charge configurations. The work done by the field equals the negative change in U: U = (1 / 4πε₀) · (q · q₀) / r for two point charges, with U defined as zero at r → ∞. For multiple charges, sum over unique pairs: U_total = Σ (1 / 4πε₀) · (q_i · q_j) / r_ij . Electric Potential (V) Electric potential ( V ) is the potential energy per unit test charge: V = U / q₀ , thus in volts (J/C...