Electrostatic potential is a scalar quantity that represents the work done per unit charge in bringing a test charge from infinity to a specific point in an electric field. It is a crucial concept in electrostatics, as it helps in understanding the behavior of charges and the energy associated with electric fields.

Electrostatic Potential

Electrostatic potential

A scalar quantity is a physical measurement that is described by a single value, representing magnitude only, without any directional component. Scalars are fundamental in physics as they simplify calculations and are often contrasted with vectors, which include both magnitude and direction.

scalar quantity

work done per unit charge

A test charge is a hypothetical charge with a magnitude so small that its presence does not affect the electric field in which it is placed. It is used to measure the electric field strength and direction at a point in space without disturbing the field itself.

test charge

An electric field is a vector field around a charged particle that represents the force exerted on other charges placed within the field. The strength and direction of the electric field are determined by the magnitude and sign of the charge, as well as the distance from the charge.

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