Electric Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate Electric Potential Energy, Charge, or Distance with different units. Select the calculation type and units for each input.
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Electric Potential Energy Calculator: The Best Tool for Accurate Calculations
An Electric Potential Energy Calculator is an online tool designed to quickly and accurately compute electric potential energy. This energy is stored energy due to the interaction of electric charges in an electric field.
By entering relevant values such as charge, distance, or energy, users can easily determine the required parameter without complex manual calculations.
Electric Potential Energy Calculator is particularly useful for students, engineers, and physics enthusiasts who want to perform quick calculations for educational or research purposes.
What is Electric Potential Energy?
Electric potential energy (EPE) refers to the energy stored in a system of charges due to their positions relative to each other. This energy is a result of the electrostatic force between charges. The amount of energy depends on the magnitude of the charges and the distance between them.
In physics, this is an essential concept as it helps in understanding how charges interact and how energy is conserved in an electric field.
You can also find Potential Energy using our Advanced Potential Energy Calculator.
Electric Potential Energy Formula
The formula for Electric Potential Energy is given by:
U = k (q₁q₂) / rWhere:
- U = Electric Potential Energy (Joules)
- k = Coulomb’s constant (8.9875 × 10⁹ Nm²/C²)
- q₁, q₂ = Magnitudes of the two charges (Coulombs)
- r = Distance between the charges (Meters)
This formula is derived from Coulomb’s law, which defines the force between two charges in an electric field.
How to Use the Electric Potential Energy Calculator?
Using the Electric Potential Energy Calculator is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Select the Calculation Type: Choose whether you want to find EPE, charge (q₁ or q₂), or distance (r).
- Enter the Known Values: Input the values of charge, distance, or energy as required.
- Select the Units: Choose the appropriate units (Coulombs, meters, Joules, etc.) to ensure accurate conversion.
- Click on Calculate: The tool instantly provides the result based on the input values.
- Get the Answer: The calculator displays the final result in multiple unit variations.
Find Gravitational Potential Energy using our Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator with advanced features.
How Does the Electric Potential Energy Calculator Work?
The Electric Potential Energy Calculator operates using Coulomb’s Law, performing real-time calculations based on user input. Here’s how it processes the data:
- User Input Handling: The user selects the type of calculation and provides input values.
- Unit Conversion: If different units are used, the calculator converts all values into SI units for accurate computation.
- Formula Application: The system applies the Electric Potential Energy formula to calculate the unknown variable.
- Result Computation: The tool solves for the missing value and provides the answer in various unit formats.
- Display of Results: The result is formatted and displayed for easy interpretation.
Electric Potential Energy of Different Objects
Below is a table showcasing typical electric potential energy values for different charge configurations:
| Object Pair | Charge 1 (q₁) | Charge 2 (q₂) | Distance (r) | Electric Potential Energy (U) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two Electrons | -1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C | -1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C | 1 nm | -2.3 × 10⁻¹⁸ J |
| Proton & Electron | 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C | -1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C | 0.5 nm | -4.6 × 10⁻¹⁸ J |
| Two Protons | 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C | 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C | 1 nm | 2.3 × 10⁻¹⁸ J |
| Small Sphere Charges | 1 × 10⁻⁶ C | 1 × 10⁻⁶ C | 1 cm | 8.99 × 10⁻³ J |
Electric Potential Energy Units
Electric Potential Energy can be expressed in various units, as shown in the table below:
| Unit | Symbol | Equivalent to |
|---|---|---|
| Joule | J | Base SI Unit |
| Kilojoule | kJ | 1,000 J |
| Foot-pound | ft-lb | 1.35582 J |
| Calorie | cal | 4.184 J |
You can also calculate Kinetic Energy using our new Kinetic Energy Calculator.
Examples of Electric Potential Energy
Example 1:
Given:
q₁ = 2 × 10⁻⁶ C, q₂ = 3 × 10⁻⁶ C, r = 0.02 m
Formula:
U = k (q₁q₂) / r
Solution:
U = (8.9875 × 10⁹ × 2 × 10⁻⁶ × 3 × 10⁻⁶) / 0.02
U = 2.69625 J
Example 2:
Given:
q₁ = -1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C, q₂ = 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C, r = 5 × 10⁻¹¹ m
Formula:
U = k (q₁q₂) / r
Solution:
U = (8.9875 × 10⁹ × -1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ × 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹) / (5 × 10⁻¹¹)
U = -4.6 × 10⁻¹⁸ J
Get the accurate values of Elastic Potential Energy using our latest Elastic Potential Energy Calculator.
About the Creator
Dr. Evren Frost | PhD in Physics
I am a physicist with a passion for creating educational tools that simplify physics concepts for students. With years of experience in research and teaching, I have designed this platform to help learners understand and solve complicated scientific problems effortlessly.
Conclusion
The Electric Potential Energy Calculator is a powerful tool for quickly computing electric potential energy, charge, or distance with accuracy.
By understanding how electric potential energy works and how to calculate it, users can effectively analyze electric charge interactions. Whether for students, researchers, or engineers, this tool simplifies calculations and enhances understanding of electrostatic forces.
FAQs
The formula is U = k (q₁q₂) / r, where k is Coulomb’s constant.
The SI unit is Joule (J).
EPE is inversely proportional to distance. As the distance increases, the energy decreases.
Yes, when opposite charges attract, the energy is negative, indicating a bound system.
Electric potential (V) is energy per unit charge, while E.P.E. (U) is the total stored energy in a system of charges.
Yes, in an isolated system, electric potential energy is conserved.
The electric force acts along the gradient of electric potential energy, meaning charges move in a way that minimizes their potential energy.
It helps in understanding charge interactions, energy transfer, and electrical field behavior.