This study investigates the electric potential (EP) response of coal under stress wave loading using a split Hopkinson pressure bar and EP acquisition systems. The EP response was analyzed under different stages of stress wave loading, and the mechanism of EP signal generation was discussed. Results show that coal produces a significant EP signal under stress waves, with EP fluctuations corresponding to each stage of the stress wave. During the rising phase of the stress wave, the EP and stress wave signals have a strong linear relationship. During the descending phase, the EP decreases exponentially with time, showing a gradual decrease in the rate of EP decrease. The cumulative charge growth at each stage shows a "stable-surging-stable" trend. Dislocation charged movement causes local polarization within the coal, while crack propagation leads to charge separation and free charge generation. These findings explain the mechanism of EP signal creation caused by stress waves. A mathematical model of the link between charge density and dynamic load stress was derived, indicating a strong positive correlation between the two parameters. The results of this research help improve the reflection of coal seam stability through the EP response. The study highlights the importance of EP signals in monitoring coal deformation and rupture, which is essential for the safety of underground engineering under extreme load and stress wave disturbance conditions. The EP test method shows excellence in monitoring coal destabilization damage. Previous studies have shown that coal rocks produce EP signals when subjected to external loads, and EP signals are strongly related to specimen damage. These findings contribute to understanding the electrification mechanism of rock fracture and the mechanical behavior of coal under different loading methods. The study also emphasizes the need for further research on the response of coal's EP to stress waves, which is crucial for improving the safety of underground engineering.This study investigates the electric potential (EP) response of coal under stress wave loading using a split Hopkinson pressure bar and EP acquisition systems. The EP response was analyzed under different stages of stress wave loading, and the mechanism of EP signal generation was discussed. Results show that coal produces a significant EP signal under stress waves, with EP fluctuations corresponding to each stage of the stress wave. During the rising phase of the stress wave, the EP and stress wave signals have a strong linear relationship. During the descending phase, the EP decreases exponentially with time, showing a gradual decrease in the rate of EP decrease. The cumulative charge growth at each stage shows a "stable-surging-stable" trend. Dislocation charged movement causes local polarization within the coal, while crack propagation leads to charge separation and free charge generation. These findings explain the mechanism of EP signal creation caused by stress waves. A mathematical model of the link between charge density and dynamic load stress was derived, indicating a strong positive correlation between the two parameters. The results of this research help improve the reflection of coal seam stability through the EP response. The study highlights the importance of EP signals in monitoring coal deformation and rupture, which is essential for the safety of underground engineering under extreme load and stress wave disturbance conditions. The EP test method shows excellence in monitoring coal destabilization damage. Previous studies have shown that coal rocks produce EP signals when subjected to external loads, and EP signals are strongly related to specimen damage. These findings contribute to understanding the electrification mechanism of rock fracture and the mechanical behavior of coal under different loading methods. The study also emphasizes the need for further research on the response of coal's EP to stress waves, which is crucial for improving the safety of underground engineering.