Question

I can't clear my doubts about the difference between potential energy and potential difference....could u pls help me

Answer 1

Potential energy is just an amount of energy, measured in Joules. Potential is energy per charge, measured in Joules/Coulomb.

Answer 2

Potential is the specific potential energy. That is, when potential energy depends on some quantity associated with object in question, potential is potential energy per unit of that quantity.


For example, gravitational potential is gravitational potential energy per unit of mass. Electrostatic potential is the electrostatic potential energy per unit of charge.