Explain briefly about electric potential.

Explanation

In bringing an electric charge 9 from infinity to a point p in the electric field of a charge 9. work has to be done against the electric force exerted by on q, keeping a always in equlibrium.
This work done is stored in charge 9 in the form of electric potential enegy U at that point P.
If charge q is a unit positive charge (i.e.. q = + 1 C), electric potential energy U at point P is called the electric potential of charge Q at that point P.
Definition of electric potential : The work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to a particular point in the electric field, against the electrostatic force due to the electric field is called the electric potential at that point.
Hence,
Electric potential (V) `=("Work done (W)")/("Electric charge (q)")` ...(12.2)
As the SI unit of work (W) is joule (J) and that of charge (q) is coulomb (C), the SI unit of electric potential is joule/coulomb (J/C). It is called the volt.
`1V = (1J)/(1C)`
[Note: The SI unit of electric potential, the volt is named in honour of Alessandro Volta (1745-1827). an Italian physicist, the inventor of the electric battery.]