Write a short note on electric potential. ###Explain briefly about electric potential.
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Answer
In bringing an electric charge $q$ from infinity to a point $P$ in the electric field of a charge $Q$. work has to be done against the electric force exerted by $Q$ on $q$, keeping $q$ always in equlibrium. $\rightarrow$ This work done is stored in charge $q$ in the form of electric potential enegy $U$ at that point $P$. $\rightarrow$ 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 $(V)=\frac{\text { Work done }(W)}{\text { Electric charge }(q)}.......(11.2)$
$\rightarrow$ 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 volta. $ 1 V=\frac{1 J}{1 C} $ [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.]
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