What is the difference between electric potential and electric potential energy?

1 Answer
Dec 14, 2017

The unit of electric potential is Volts. The unit of electric potential energy is Joules.

Explanation:

The unit of electric potential is Volts. The Volts of electric potential will encourage current to flow through a resistance.

The unit of electric potential energy is Joules. The Joules of electric potential energy have ability to do work. Those Joules can light the night, or heat a cold room, or lift an elevator to the top of a building. Or it can cause 2 electrons to fly apart -- giving them kinetic energy.

I hope this helps,
Steve