Wiktor Wise
Electric potential difference, also known as voltage, is a fundamental concept in physics that deals with the energy per unit charge in an electric circuit. It is measured in volts (V) and represents the potential energy of a unit charge within an electric field. The electric potential difference is the driving force behind the movement of electric charges in a circuit, and it is responsible for the flow of current. This potential difference can be caused by various factors, such as the build-up of electric charge or electrochemical processes. Understanding electric potential difference is crucial for comprehending how electrical devices function, as it determines the electrical field and the acceleration of charges.
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What You'll Learn
Electric potential energy
A voltmeter is used to measure the potential difference (voltage) between two points in a circuit. The voltmeter measures the negative of the difference in the electrochemical potential of electrons, divided by the electron charge. This is commonly referred to as the voltage difference.
The potential difference is the amount of current multiplied by the resistance. A potential difference of one volt is equal to one joule of energy being used by one coulomb of charge when it flows between two points in a circuit. The SI unit of work per unit charge is the joule per coulomb, where 1 volt = 1 joule of work per 1 coulomb of charge.
The electric potential is the electrostatic potential energy per unit charge. It is given by the formula:
Phi = E/Q
The electric potential at a point in an electric field is the amount of work done to move a unit positive charge from infinity to that point. The electric potential difference is the difference in electric potentials between two different points.
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Voltage and electric potential difference
In physics, electric potential difference, also known as voltage, is a fundamental concept related to the energy and behaviour of electric charges in a circuit. Voltage is defined as the energy per unit charge and is measured in volts (V). It represents the amount of energy that each unit of charge possesses within an electric circuit.
Voltage, or potential difference, is the driving force that propels electric charges through a circuit. It is analogous to the pressure difference in a water circuit, where a pump creates a pressure difference, enabling water to flow and perform work, such as driving a turbine. Similarly, in an electric circuit, the voltage provided by a battery creates a potential difference, allowing the flow of electric current and facilitating the performance of electrical work, such as powering a motor.
The SI unit of voltage is the volt, named after the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta, who invented the voltaic pile, possibly the first chemical battery. One volt is defined as one joule of energy used by one coulomb of charge when it flows between two points in a circuit. This relationship between voltage and energy is crucial in understanding the behaviour of electrical systems.
It is important to distinguish between electric potential, electric potential difference, and voltage. Electric potential refers to the potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field. It represents the amount of work done to move a unit positive charge from infinity to that point. On the other hand, electric potential difference, or voltage, represents the difference in electric potential between two distinct points in an electric field. This difference in potential is what enables the flow of electric charges and the transfer of energy within a circuit.
The measurement of voltage or potential difference is typically done using a voltmeter, which assesses the difference in electric potential between two points. It is important to note that the voltmeter measures the electrochemical potential of electrons, which may be influenced by thermodynamics, rather than the pure electrostatic potential. The distinction between these concepts can be nuanced, and their practical usage may vary depending on the specific context.
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The voltmeter
Electric potential difference refers to the energy per unit charge. It is the potential difference in voltage between two points, which can be caused by a build-up of electric charge or an electromotive force.
A voltmeter is a device used to measure the electric potential difference between two points in a circuit. It is always connected in parallel to the elements whose potential difference is to be measured. It has a very high resistance value.
Analogue voltmeters feature a pointer that moves over a scale in proportion to the voltage of the circuit, while digital voltmeters display the numerical voltage reading using an analogue-to-digital converter.
When measuring voltage with a voltmeter, each electrical lead must be connected to one of the two points. A common reference point, such as the ground of the system, is often used as one of the points.
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The volt
Electric potential difference, also known as voltage, is the energy per unit charge. It is measured in volts (V). The volt is named after Alessandro Volta.
For example, a 12.0-volt battery will have the same voltage whether it can move 5000 C of charge or 60,000 C of charge. The volt measurement refers to the potential difference between the two terminals of the battery.
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Electric circuits
Now, let's delve into electric circuits and their relationship with electric potential difference. An electric circuit is a closed loop through which electric current can flow. In a basic circuit, you'll find a power source, such as a battery, connected to a conductor, like a wire, which in turn, is linked to a device or load. The power source provides the electrical energy needed to move charges, typically electrons, through the circuit.
When a battery is connected to a circuit, it creates a potential difference at the ends of the conductor. This potential difference results in the formation of an electric field throughout the conductor, and thus, electric charges flow from high potential to low potential, creating an electric current. The potential difference is responsible for driving the charges through the circuit, and it's this movement of charges that constitutes an electric current.
The potential difference, often referred to as voltage, is the energy per unit charge. It's important to distinguish between voltage and energy. Two batteries can have the same voltage but differ in the amount of energy they store. For instance, a car battery and a motorcycle battery might have identical voltages, but the car battery can move a larger amount of charge and, therefore, delivers more energy.
The electric potential difference between two points is defined as the change in potential energy of a charge moved between those points, divided by the charge. The units of potential difference are joules per coulomb, and this quantity is given the name volt (V) in honour of Alessandro Volta. So, when you see a voltage quoted, it represents the potential difference between two points. For example, a battery's voltage is the potential difference between its terminals.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric potential is the potential energy per unit charge.
Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential between two points. It is measured in volts.
A voltmeter is used to measure the potential difference or voltage between two points in a circuit.
Voltage is the energy per unit charge. This means that a higher voltage indicates a greater potential energy per unit charge.
