Electric Potential Energy

Electric potential energy is the energy possessed by charged particles — such as protons and electrons — due to their location within an electric field. The magnitude of the charges and the distance between them determine how much potential energy is stored, measured in joules (J).

The energy contained in an electric field may be released or transformed into other kinds of energy through interactions with charged particles or objects. It facilitates the understanding of the dynamics of charged particles within electric fields and how they behave.

Understanding Electric Potential Energy

Electric potential energy is a kind of potential energy that results from the interaction of charged particles such as protons and electrons. It measures the energy that an object possesses as a result of its configuration or position inside an electric field. The unit of electric potential energy is the joule (J).

• Derivations from other quantities: Electric potential energy can be calculated from other quantities like electric charge, electric field lines, and electric field strength.
• Examples: Electric potential energy includes the energy generated as a charged particle moves through an electric field, the energy needed to separate charged particles, and the energy stored in a charged capacitor.
• Key concepts: Electric potential energy is closely associated with electric field, electric charge, and voltage — concepts that are fundamental to numerous physics and engineering phenomena.

Applications

• Capacitors
• Electrostatic Machines
• Electric Power Systems
• Electric Motors and Generators
• Particle Accelerators

About This Calculator

Potential energy, or electric potential energy, is the amount of work that can be done by outside forces. This energy — also known as voltage or electric potential — is kept in reserve in electrical systems' circuits. It is common for the stored energy to transform into different forms like heat, light, or motion.

This electric potential energy calculator allows you to quickly calculate the electric potential (voltage) at a specific distance from a single charge using the formula $V = kQ/r$.

Formulas

$V(r) = \frac{kQ}{r}$

$k = \frac{1}{4 \pi \varepsilon_0}$

where:

• $V$ = Electric Potential (V)
• $Q$ = Charge (C)
• $k$ = Coulomb's Constant (Scalar Quantity)
• $r$ = Point Distance (m)
• $\varepsilon_0$ = Permittivity of Free Space