Electric Field vs. Electric Potential — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 5, 2023
Electric Field measures force per unit charge, while Electric Potential represents energy per unit charge.
Difference Between Electric Field and Electric Potential
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Electric Field is a vector quantity, representing the force experienced by a test charge due to nearby charges. It essentially tells us the "push or pull" experienced by a charge in a particular region. On the other hand, Electric Potential is a scalar quantity that represents the work done in moving a unit charge from infinity to a point in space. It gives us an idea of the "energy landscape" in that region.
Electric Field has both magnitude and direction, indicating the force and the way it acts on a positive test charge. Electric Potential, lacking direction, only indicates a value at a particular point, telling us the potential energy a unit charge would have at that location.
To visualize Electric Field, one might use field lines or arrows pointing in the direction of the force on a positive test charge. For Electric Potential, contour lines might be used, with each line representing places of equal potential.
Both Electric Field and Electric Potential arise due to the presence of charges. The relationship between them is such that the Electric Field is the negative gradient of Electric Potential. This means that Electric Field points in the direction of the steepest decrease of Electric Potential.
It's crucial to remember that while Electric Field gives us direct information on the force on a charge, Electric Potential informs us about the energy status or "environment" of charges in a particular region.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Nature
Vector quantity (has direction).
Scalar quantity (no direction).
Represents
Force per unit charge.
Energy per unit charge.
Visualization
Field lines/arrows.
Contour lines of equal potential.
Relationship
Negative gradient of Electric Potential.
Electric Field points to decreasing potential.
Effect on Test Charge
Determines force on test charge.
Determines potential energy of test charge.
Compare with Definitions
Electric Field
Electric Field is generated by electric charges and changing magnetic fields.
Earth has a natural Electric Field due to atmospheric processes.
Electric Potential
Electric Potential differences can be caused by electric charges or changing electric fields.
A charge configuration can set up varying Electric Potential in its vicinity.
Electric Field
Electric Field is a region around a charged particle where it can exert a force.
The lamp is lit because of the Electric Field created by the battery.
Electric Potential
A higher Electric Potential indicates higher potential energy for a positive test charge.
The Electric Potential at the top of a hill in an electric field would be higher than at the base.
Electric Field
Electric Field lines represent the path a positive test charge would take.
The denser the Electric Field lines, the stronger the field.
Electric Potential
Electric Potential is a scalar value at a particular point in space.
The Electric Potential difference between two points drives current in circuits.
Electric Field
Electric Field can do work on charges, causing them to move.
The Electric Field between the plates of a capacitor can accelerate electrons.
Electric Potential
Electric Potential is the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge.
The Electric Potential of a battery determines its voltage.
Electric Field
Electric Field gives direction and magnitude of the force per unit charge.
An Electric Field directed to the right implies a positive test charge would be pushed to the right.
Electric Potential
Electric Potential gives the work done to move a unit charge from infinity to a point.
Connecting two points of different Electric Potential will cause current to flow.
Common Curiosities
What is Electric Field?
Electric Field is a region around a charged particle where it can exert a force on another charge.
What does Electric Potential represent?
Electric Potential represents the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in space.
How is Electric Potential different from voltage?
Electric Potential is the energy per unit charge at a point, while voltage is the difference in Electric Potential between two points.
How does Electric Field relate to Electric Potential?
Electric Field is the negative gradient of Electric Potential.
Is Electric Field a scalar or vector?
Electric Field is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
How do charges influence Electric Field?
Charges create an Electric Field around them, with the direction and strength determined by the type and magnitude of the charge.
Can Electric Potential have negative values?
Yes, Electric Potential can be negative, especially when compared to a reference point.
How does Electric Field affect charges?
Electric Field exerts a force on charges, which can cause them to move.
Can you have Electric Potential without an Electric Field?
No, any change in Electric Potential will result in an Electric Field.
What units are Electric Field measured in?
Electric Field is measured in volts per meter (V/m).
What units represent Electric Potential?
Electric Potential is measured in volts (V).
What role does Electric Potential play in circuits?
Electric Potential difference, or voltage, between two points in a circuit drives the current, powering devices and components.
What happens to Electric Field when charges are in motion?
Moving charges generate a changing Electric Field, which can also induce a magnetic field.
Do magnetic fields influence Electric Potential?
Changing magnetic fields can induce an Electric Potential, as per Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction.
Can Electric Potential be zero?
Yes, Electric Potential can be zero at certain points, especially when chosen as a reference.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Paper Thin Layer vs. Column Chromatography
Next Comparison
Windows 7 vs. Windows XPAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
