Electricity
Potential Difference
To explain potential difference as energy transferred per unit charge and calculate energy or potential difference.

What you will learn

What potential difference tells us about energy transfer

Why potential difference is measured in volts

How to calculate energy transferred per unit charge

How to measure potential difference with a voltmeter

What a voltmeter reading means for a component
Explanation
Potential difference is the energy transferred per unit charge between two points. Use V = E/Q: one volt is one joule per coulomb. A voltmeter connects in parallel; a larger potential difference transfers more energy for each coulomb. Example: A component transfers 120 J when 10 C passes. Calculate its potential difference. V = E/Q = 120/10 = 12 V, or 12 J per coulomb. Rearrange the relationship before substituting if a different quantity is required. Use clear labels. Identify cause and effect.
