| C | H | A | P | T | E | R 19 |
| Electric Potential Energy and the Electric Potential |

The upper surface of this car is covered by solar cells. Sunlight penetrates the cells and provides the energy that separates positive and negative charges in the materials from which the cells are made. Thus, each cell develops positive and negative terminals, much like the terminals of a battery and, in effect, converts solar energy into the electric energy that powers the car. Electric potential energy and the related concept of electric potential are the subjects of this chapter. (© AP/Wide World Photos)

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