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Potential Difference

Electricity

Potential Difference

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

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What you will learn

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What potential difference tells us about energy transfer

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Why potential difference is measured in volts

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How to calculate energy transferred per unit charge

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How to measure potential difference with a voltmeter

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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.

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