Electric Potential
Definition
The electrical ‘height’ at a point in space — how much potential energy each unit of charge would have there.
Symbol: · Unit: volt (V)
Technical definition
Scalar field V defined as electric potential energy per unit charge: V = U/q. Measured in volts (J/C). The electric field is the negative gradient of potential (E = −∇V); charges naturally move from high to low potential.
Example
A 12 V battery terminal sits 12 joules-per-coulomb above the other terminal — that is what pushes charge through the circuit.
Common confusion
Electric potential (volts) is not the same as electric potential energy (joules). Potential is energy per charge — a tiny charge at high voltage can carry less total energy than a big charge at low voltage.