Electric potential is a fundamental concept in understanding electric fields. It helps us describe and analyze the behavior of electrically charged particles. Electric potential, also known as voltage, measures the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a given point in an electric field. It tells us how much work is needed to move a positive test charge from infinity to that point. It is denoted by the symbol V or φ.

In simple terms, electric potential is the 'electric pressure' at a certain location. Just like water flows from a high-pressure area to a low-pressure area, positive charges tend to move from a region of higher electric potential to a region of lower electric potential.

To calculate electric potential (V) at a point due to a single point charge (Q), we use the formula V = kQ/r, where k is Coulomb's constant (9 x 10^9 Nm²/C²) and r is the distance between the charge and the point at which potential is measured.