Question

Describe in detail the difference between electric potential and potential energy by giving examples and presenting relevant formulae. In your own words.

Answer 1

Electric potential energy is the work done on a charged particle that is moving in an electric field. This depends on the electrical charge and its position in the electric field. An example is bringing two same charged items together and they will repel each other.

Example - If you turn your shower off, your water stops flowing (no more current), but your water pressure doesn't change. Just as you won't suddenly have better, or worse, water pressure when you turn your shower on again, so too does voltage remain constant for each type of energy source. A 1.5 volt battery remains 1.5 volts whether it's in use or not.

Potential energy is the amount of potential energy per charge. This helps with knowing how much potential energy a specific area can provide.

Example -

Electric Potential -