Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the external work needed to bring a charge from one location to another location in an electric field
. It is a measure of the difference in potential energy experienced by a test charge that moves from one point to another in a circuit
. The potential difference is usually denoted by the symbol ΔV and is measured in volts (V)
. Key points about potential difference include:
- It exists if there is a charged object at a location
- It is the change in potential energy experienced by a test charge that moves from one point to another in a circuit
- The potential difference is measured in volts (V) and is equal to 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
In summary, potential difference is an important concept in electricity, as it represents the energy gained or lost by a charge when it moves from one point to another in a circuit. It is measured in volts and is equal to the product of the current and resistance in the circuit