Electric potential and potential difference are two different things. The main difference between electric potential and potential difference is that electric potential is defined at a point whereas the potential difference is defined between two points.
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Let see in detail the differences based upon definition, formula, unit, etc.
Difference between Electric Potential and Potential Difference in tabular form
| Electric Potential | Potential Difference |
| The electric potential at a point (P) in an electric field is defined as the work done per unit charge in moving a unit positive charge from infinity to that point (P), irrespective of the path followed. | The potential difference between two points in an electric field is defined as the work done per unit charge in moving a unit positive charge from one point to another point, irrespective of the path followed. |
| It is defined at a point. | It is defined between two points. |
| The electric potential at a point P is given by
where W∞P = work done in moving positive charge (qo) from infinite to point P |
The potential difference between point P and R is given by
where WRP = work done in moving positive charge (qo) from point P to point R. |
| The SI unit of electric potential is volt (V). | The SI unit of potential difference is also volt (V). |
| In c.g.s. system, unit of electric potential is stat volt. | In c.g.s. system, unit of potential difference is also stat volt. |
| It is a scalar quantity. | It is also a scalar quantity. |
| The electric potential at infinity is taken as zero. | There is no such concept. |
Conclusion
The key difference between the electric potential and potential difference is that electric potential is calculated at a point whereas the potential difference is calculated between two different points.
