Electric Field vs. Electric Potential: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 2, 2023
Electric Field represents the force per unit charge acting on a charge, while Electric Potential signifies the work done per unit charge to move a charge to a point.
Key Differences
An Electric Field represents the force acting on a unit positive charge placed in the field. It gives direction and magnitude of the force. On the other hand, Electric Potential is a scalar quantity that denotes the work done to move a unit charge from infinity to a specific point in the field without acceleration.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
The unit of Electric Field is Newton per Coulomb (N/C) or Volt per meter (V/m) in the SI system. Conversely, the Electric Potential has a unit of Volt (V) representing energy per unit charge.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Electric Field is often represented by vector lines pointing in the direction of the force. The Electric Potential, being scalar, doesn't have a direction but represents points of equal potential as equi-potential surfaces or lines.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
The Electric Field is the negative gradient (rate of change) of the Electric Potential. So, in simple terms, the Electric Field points in the direction where the Electric Potential decreases most rapidly.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
A charge in an Electric Field experiences a force, while the work done in moving a charge within an Electric Potential difference results in potential energy for that charge.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Relation to other
Negative gradient of Electric Potential
Electric Potential is integrated from Electric Field
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
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Electric Field and Electric Potential Definitions
Electric Field
Electric Field lines point from positive to negative charges.
Using field lines, one can visualize the strength and direction of the Electric Field.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Electric Potential
Electric Potential represents energy per unit charge.
A point with higher Electric Potential has more electric potential energy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Electric Field
An Electric Field is the space where electric forces act.
Near a charged object, the Electric Field is stronger.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Electric Potential
Electric Potential is a scalar quantity.
Electric Potential values at specific points don't have a direction, unlike Electric Field.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Electric Field
An Electric Field represents force experienced by a unit positive charge.
The Electric Field around a positive charge pushes away other positive charges.
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Oct 13, 2023
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Electric Potential
Electric Potential is the work done to move a unit charge to a point.
Higher Electric Potential regions require more work to move a charge to.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Electric Field
Electric Field can induce motion in charges present within it.
When a charge is placed in an Electric Field, it experiences a force.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Electric Potential
Electric Potential is the integral of the Electric Field.
Integrating the Electric Field over a distance gives the Electric Potential difference.
Janet White
Oct 13, 2023
Electric Field
The strength of an Electric Field is directly proportional to the charge producing it.
A charge with greater magnitude produces a stronger Electric Field.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Electric Potential
Electric Potential differences cause the movement of charges.
Batteries provide an Electric Potential difference that drives current in circuits.
Janet White
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
What does the Electric Field denote?
Electric Field denotes the force experienced by a unit positive charge placed in the field.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
What is Electric Potential's significance?
Electric Potential signifies the work done to move a unit charge to a specific point in an Electric Field.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Can you have an Electric Potential without an Electric Field?
No, an Electric Potential difference implies the presence of an Electric Field.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
How is the direction of the Electric Field determined?
The Electric Field direction is where a positive test charge would experience a force.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
Is Electric Field a vector?
Yes, Electric Field is a vector quantity, having both magnitude and direction.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Can charges move against an Electric Potential difference?
Yes, but external work is needed to move charges against an Electric Potential difference.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
What unit measures Electric Potential?
Electric Potential is measured in volts (V).
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
How are Electric Field lines drawn?
Electric Field lines are drawn from positive charges to negative charges.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
What happens to a charge in a region of high Electric Potential?
A charge in a high Electric Potential region possesses higher potential energy.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
What does a stronger Electric Field indicate?
A stronger Electric Field indicates a larger force experienced by a charge placed in that field.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Why is Electric Potential important in circuits?
Electric Potential differences in circuits drive the movement of charges, causing electric current.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
What does zero Electric Potential mean?
Zero Electric Potential often refers to a reference point, like the Earth, against which other potentials are measured.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
How does distance affect Electric Field and Electric Potential?
As distance from a charge increases, both Electric Field and Electric Potential typically decrease.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Can Electric Field and Electric Potential be negative?
Yes, both Electric Field and Electric Potential can be negative, depending on charge and reference direction.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Can two points have the same Electric Potential?
Yes, points with the same Electric Potential form equi-potential surfaces or lines.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Can Electric Field exist in a vacuum?
Yes, Electric Field can exist in a vacuum.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
What causes an Electric Field?
Electric charges, whether stationary or in motion, produce an Electric Field.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
What's the effect of a charge in an Electric Field?
A charge in an Electric Field experiences a force and may move if not restrained.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
How are Electric Field and Electric Potential related?
Electric Field is the negative gradient of Electric Potential.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Does Electric Potential have a direction?
No, Electric Potential is scalar and does not have a direction.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
