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 question we wanted to answer was how much potential it can produce, and how is electric potential influenced by the plant's biological clock?"

From Science Daily • May 28, 2024

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

An exactly similar expression holds good in hydrokinetics, provided that for the electric potential we substitute velocity potential, and for the electric force the velocity of the liquid.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various