Question

Question #d9695

Answer 1

The difference in values of electric potential between any two points is called the potential difference between the two points.

Explanation:

Owing to it's irrotational nature (i.e. `nabla X vec E = 0`), the Electrostatic field can be expressed as a gradient of a scalar potential function.

Thus, `vec E = -nablaV` where `V` is the potential function and the - sign is introduced for convenience and consistency.

Thus, the potential function can have various values in various points in space.

If `V_A` and `V_B` be values of the potential at A and B respectively, the potential difference would be,

`V_A - V_B`