Electric potential
The electric potential energy per unit charge at a point in an electric field, measured in volts (V) or J/C. Potential difference between two points equals the work per unit charge to move a charge from one to the other. For a point charge Q, electric potential is V = kQ/r, where V is zero at infinity. Potential is a scalar quantity.
Formula
V = kQ/r
Real World
The Van de Graaff generator at Boston's Museum of Science builds up to 2 million volts on its dome — a potential that can drive a spark across a metre of air, demonstrating how potential governs energy transfer.
Exam Focus
Electric potential is a scalar — add potentials from multiple charges algebraically, not as vectors; a common error is treating them as vector quantities.
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