What is electric potential energy?

Electric potential energy refers to the energy that a charged particle possesses due to its position within an electric field. It arises from the work done against the electric forces when moving a charge from one point to another within that field. This concept is rooted in the fundamental interactions between charged particles; when a charge is moved against the electric field, energy must be supplied to the system, which is stored as electric potential energy.

In practical terms, if you think about moving a positive charge towards another positive charge, you have to exert effort because they repel each other. The energy expended in this process translates directly to electric potential energy. This energy can be converted into kinetic energy if the charge is released, allowing it to move back towards a region of lower electric potential.

The other options represent related but distinct ideas. The energy stored in a battery, while it is a form of potential energy, is a more generalized concept regarding chemical energy being converted into electrical energy. The potential energy of a charged particle at rest could be a misinterpretation of potential energy because it implies that the energy is static without acknowledging the charge's position in the electric field. Finally, total energy of a circuit encompasses various forms of energy, including potential energy, kinetic energy, and thermal energy