Electric Potential Energy

Electric Potential Energy (PE)

The energy stored in an electric field due to the position of a charge within that field.

Electric Field (E)

A vector field around charged particles that exerts a force on other charged particles, directed away from positive charges and toward negative charges.

Potential Difference (Voltage)

The difference in electric potential between two points, measured in volts.

Electric Potential (V)

The electric potential energy per unit charge, measured in volts.

Work Done (W)

The energy transferred by a force acting over a distance, equal to the product of the force and the distance moved in the direction of the force.

Charge (q)

A property of a particle that causes it to experience a force in an electric field, measured in coulombs.

Displacement (d)

The change in position of a charge as it moves through an electric field.

Work-Energy Principle

The principle that states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.

Formula for Electric Potential Energy

U = -E * q * y, where U is electric potential energy, E is the electric field, q is the charge, and y is the height above the reference point.

Gravitational Potential Energy

The energy an object possesses because of its position in a gravitational field, calculated as U_g = mgh.