13 - Electric Potential

Abstract

This chapter discusses electric potential. Electric fields are vector fields that have both magnitude and direction at every point at which the field is defined. The electrical properties of space can also be described by electric potential, which is, in some respects, a simpler and more practical concept than the electric field. Electric potential is simpler than electric fields because electric potential is a scalar quantity and, therefore, has no direction associated with it. Electric potential is more practical than the electric field because differences in potential, at least on conductors, are more readily measured directly. Electric potentials and electric fields in a given region are related to each other, and either can be used to describe the electrostatic properties of space. The gravitational potential energy of an object at a point is meaningful only in terms of the difference in potential energy between that point and the potential energy specified at some reference point. Electric potential should have characteristics similar to those of gravitational potential energy for electric potential to be equally useful.