We can relate Electric Force to Electric Potential Energy:
Note
Potential Energy is ALWAYS the difference between two configurations. Sometimes you will see it as or . When it doesn’t have the delta, we are just assuming that one configuration is when objects are separated by infinite distance, and the potential energy is zero in that configuration.
A positive Potential Energy represents charges with a net repulsive force, and a negative potential energy represents charges with a net attractive force.
Electric Potential Energy is measured in (Joules).