When a small positive test charge is placed in the electric field due to another charge, it experiences a force. So, work has to be done on the positive test charge to move it against this force of repulsion. The electric potential (or potential) at a point in an electric field is defined as the work done in moving a unit positive charge from infinity to that point.
Potential is denoted by the symbol V and its unit is volt. A potential of 1 volt at a point means that 1 joule of work is done in moving 1 unit positive charge from infinity to that point. Since the unit of charge is the coulomb, so we can also say that: A potential of 1 volt at a point means that 1 joule of work is done in moving 1 coulomb of positive charge from infinity to that point. A more common term used in electricity is, however, a potential difference which we will discuss now.
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