Optics, electromagnetic theory Electrostatics Concept
Electric potential
Summary
The electric potential is a real function on space whose negative gradient is the electric field of a static charge distribution. It is the scalar potential of the electrostatic field. Its value at a point is the work per unit charge needed to bring a test charge there from far away. It turns the vector problems of electrostatics into problems for one scalar function.
Where this leads
13 pages build on this one.
- Method of image charges
- Maxwell's conjecture on point charges
- Polarization density
- Green's reciprocity theorem
- Liénard–Wiechert potential
- Electrostatic energy
- Capacitance
- Poisson's equation in electrostatics
- Hertz vector
- Electromagnetic four-potential
- Multipole expansion
- Retarded potential
- Inhomogeneous electromagnetic wave equation
Further reading
About this page
| Tag | SAEDXNM3Y1 |
|---|---|
| URI | m2://SAEDXNM3Y1 |
| Kind | concept |
| Writing | W0 stub |
| MSC | 78A30, 31B15 |
| Specializes | Scalar potential |
| Same as | |
| Changed | 3 November 2026 |
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Used by
- Method of image charges
- Maxwell's conjecture on point charges
- Polarization density
- Green's reciprocity theorem
- Liénard–Wiechert potential
- Electrostatic energy
- Capacitance
- Poisson's equation in electrostatics
- Hertz vector
- Electromagnetic four-potential
- Multipole expansion
- Retarded potential
- Inhomogeneous electromagnetic wave equation