Physics · 12

Electric Potential and Potential Difference

Electric potential is the work done per unit charge to move a charge from infinity to a point in an electric field. Potential difference is the differ

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What is the SI unit of electric potential?

The SI unit is volt (V), named after Alessandro Volta. One volt equals one joule per coulomb (1 V = 1 J/C).

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Can electric potential be negative?

Yes, electric potential can be negative. It depends on the sign of the source charge and the reference point chosen (usually infinity is taken as zero potential).

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Why is equipotential surface perpendicular to electric field lines?

Because if a surface were not perpendicular to field lines, there would be a component of electric field along the surface, meaning work would be done moving charge on that surface. But by definition, no work is done on equipotential surfaces, so they must be perpendicular to field lines.

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