Electric potential is a:
- Scalar with unit volt
- Vector
- Field line
- Force
Show answer and solution
Correct answer: A. Scalar with unit volt
### Step-by-Step Solution
**1. Definition of Electric Potential:**
Electric potential ($V$) at a point in an electric field is defined as the amount of work done ($W$) per unit positive test charge ($q$) in bringing the charge from infinity to that point without acceleration:
$$V = \frac{W}{q}$$
**2. Determining the Type of Quantity:**
- **Work ($W$):** Work is a scalar quantity because it is the dot product of force and displacement.
- **Charge ($q$):** Charge is a fundamental scalar quantity.
Since the ratio of two scalars is itself a scalar, **Electric Potential is a scalar quantity**. It has magnitude but no direction.
**3. Units of Electric Potential:**
The SI unit for work is the Joule ($J$) and for charge is the Coulomb ($C$). Therefore, the unit for potential is:
$$\text{Unit of } V = \frac{\text{Joule}}{\text{Coulomb}} = \text{J/C}$$
In the International System of Units (SI), $1 \text{ J/C}$ is defined as **$1 \text{ Volt (V)}$**.
**Conclusion:**
Electric potential is a scalar quantity with the unit Volt.