What is the difference between potential energy and potential?

Potential is the potential energy per unit at a certain location. For example in a electric field the electric potential energy depends on both the location of the charge in the field and the charge we are considering. Electric potential ignores the charge and only cares about the location, this is why it is a unit, in this case one coulomb of charge. Think of a single unit of mass/charge being moved into the field, that is the potential.

ET
Answered by Edward T. Physics tutor

2550 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is gravitational potential and how can gravitational potential energy be used to estimate the escape velocity of a planet of mass m and radius r?


2 Capacitors (c1 = 500mf) and (c2=300mf), are connected in parallel to a 10v d.c supply. Calculate the total capacitance of the circuit, and hence the total energy stored in the capacitors.


How does an object in circular motion experience acceleration when it is going at a constant speed?


If a 10N tension force is exerted on a steel beam (E = 200 GPa) with cross-sectional area 1cm^2, what is the stress acting on the beam? What is the change in length of the beam, if the beam is 10cm long?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning