This electric potential energy calculator finds the potential energy stored between two point charges. Enter the two charges and the distance between them above to get the energy in joules.
Formula
U = k × q₁ × q₂ ÷ r (k = 8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²)
A positive result means the charges repel (like signs); a negative result means they attract.
Example
q₁ = q₂ = 1 µC, r = 0.1 m: U = 8.99×10⁹ × (10⁻⁶)² ÷ 0.1 = 0.0899 J.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate electric potential energy?
Multiply Coulomb’s constant by the two charges and divide by the distance between them: U = k q1 q2 / r.
Is electric potential energy positive or negative?
It is positive for like charges that repel and negative for opposite charges that attract.
What is Coulomb’s constant?
It is about 8.99 x 10^9 newton-meter squared per coulomb squared, the proportionality constant in Coulomb’s law.