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Actually this word 'potential' refers to the ability to do some work. So, consider a unit charge (may be positive or negative) is present in an electric field. Now if the charge is positive then a force exerted on it and if the charge is moving towards the field, then both of the forces will be acting in the same direction which is analogical with a mass influenced by the gravity. On the other hand if the charge is negative and is moving in the electric field then this movement will be against the force of the electric field. So we can see that in both the cases work is done (both positive and negative). This work done by the charge while moving in an electric field can be termed as electric potential.
More conventionally the definition of electric potential can be given as the work done needed to move a charge particle from one point to another point in the presence of an electric field. The potential is measured between the two points. The unit of representing electric potential is volt.
From another point of view electric potential can be said as the difference of charge between two points in an electric field or in a coil or circuit.
