Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric circuit. It is measured in volts (V) and is the driving force that causes electric charges to flow from one point to another.
Potential difference is calculated by dividing the work done in moving a unit charge from one point to another by the magnitude of the charge. This can be represented by the equation V = W/Q, where V is potential difference, W is work done, and Q is charge.
The two main factors that affect potential difference are the amount of charge and the distance between the two points. The greater the charge, the greater the potential difference, and the greater the distance, the smaller the potential difference.
Potential difference is directly related to electric current. A higher potential difference will result in a higher current flow, while a lower potential difference will result in a lower current flow. This relationship is described by Ohm's Law, which states that current is equal to potential difference divided by resistance (I = V/R).
Potential difference is used in various practical applications, such as in batteries to provide power to electronic devices, in power plants to generate electricity, and in electrical circuits to control the flow of current. It is also used in measuring devices, such as voltmeters and multimeters, to measure the potential difference between two points in a circuit.
