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Electric Potential Calculator

Electric potential calculator

Compute electric potential from a point charge at distance r.

InputsPhysics2 fieldsLive

Result

-51,357.43881314286 V

Uses V = kq/r (sign follows charge).

Live update

Physics signal

Advanced options
Flow
  • Enter charge value in coulomb.
  • Enter radial distance in meters.
  • Read potential in volts including sign.
Example

Worked example: q = -2e-6 C, r = 0.35 m

  1. 1 Multiply Coulomb constant by q.
  2. 2 Divide by radial distance r.
  3. 3 Sign is preserved from charge sign.

Electric potential is about -51357 V.

How
  1. Enter charge value in coulomb.
  2. Enter radial distance in meters.
  3. Read potential in volts including sign.
Avoid
  • Using magnitude when sign of potential is required.
  • Confusing electric field formula with potential formula.
Checks

Best fit

Electric Potential Calculator is built for calculate electric potential from point charge and distance using coulomb model. If Electric Potential Calculator does not match the input scope, compare the answer with a second method.

Input check

Match the entered values to this rule before copying the answer: V = kq / r.

Sanity check

For Electric Potential Calculator, use the worked example as a quick benchmark: Electric potential is about -51357 V. If the electric potential calculator answer is far away, check whether an input, unit, or mode changed.

Before copying

Review this common issue first: using magnitude when sign of potential is required.

FAQ
Why can potential be negative?

Potential sign depends on charge sign and reference convention.

Can I use this for multiple charges?

For multiple charges, superposition is required and not covered here.

Does this give potential energy?

Potential energy equals test charge multiplied by potential.

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