VelocityPotential

A velocity potential is a specific instance of the more general mathematical concept of the scalar potential applied to fluid dynamics. However, they aren't synonyms.

A scalar potential function is used to represent a vector field, and the scalar potential is a type of potential function that is applicable to multiple fields, not just velocity fields. Scalar potential functions are found in various areas of physics and engineering, including electromagnetic fields, gravitational fields, and fluid dynamics.

In the case of fluid dynamics, when the flow is irrotational (i.e., curl-free), the vector field representing the fluid flow can be described by a scalar potential function, and we specifically call it a "velocity potential". It's a special case because it pertains to the velocity field of fluid particles.