Electricity & Magnetism

Electric Potential Energy

U = k \frac{q _{1} q _{2}}{r} = q V

Energy stored in configuration of charges.

Variables

U

Potential energy

Electric PE

J

k

Coulomb constant

8.99×10⁹

N·m²/C²

q₁

Charge 1

First charge

C

q₂

Charge 2

Second charge

C

r

Distance

Separation

m

q

Charge

Test charge

C

V

Potential

At charge location

V

Derivation

U = -∫F·dr = kq₁q₂/r. Also U = qV.

Your notes

0/5000