electric potential

American  

noun

1. Also called potential.  Electricity. (at any point in an electric field) the work done per unit charge in moving an infinitesimal point charge from a common reference point to the given point. V

2. Physiology. action potential.

---

electric potential British  

noun

1. 1. the work required to transfer a unit positive electric charge from an infinite distance to a given point against an electric field

   2.  V.   φ.  Sometimes shortened to: potential.  the potential difference between the point and some other reference point

---

electric potential Scientific  

1. A measure of the work required by an electric field to move electric charges. Its unit is the volt.

2. Also called voltage

3. See more at Ohm's law

---

Etymology

Origin of electric potential

First recorded in 1870–75

Compare meaning

How does electric-potential compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• electric field vs. electric potential

Example Sentences

When plants draw water from their roots to nourish their stems and leaves, they produce an electric potential that could be harnessed as a renewable energy source.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2024

The list of areas that could be enhanced by the findings is indeed considerable and extends to using a temperature gradient to generate electric potential.

From Science Daily • Dec. 11, 2023

The zinc oxide material was chosen for its piezoelectric properties, which means that when it waves, bends, or deforms under motion, it generates electric potential.

From Science Daily • Oct. 17, 2023

This clever arrangement allows the successive addition of electric potential energy and so greater particle energies are possible than in a Van de Graaff.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

There is thus a more or less permanent or resting difference of electric potential between them.

From Response in the Living and Non-Living by Bose, Jagadis Chandra, Sir