Physics 11th September 2017

Re: Voltage: potential difference and electromotive force

Equations:

V = E/Q where V is volts (V); E is energy transferred(J); Q is charge passing (C)

V = W/Q where V is p.d (V); W work done (J); Q is charge passing (C)

 = E/Q where  is emf (V); E is energy supplied (J); Q is charge passing (C)

Voltage has been used incorrectly as interchangeable between itself and potential difference. To understand the correct
use of the terms, here is an overview of what exactly happens in a circuit.

Electrons in a circuit

Circuits are built to transfer electrical energy into other useful forms. This is done through electrons’ ability to carry
charge.

As an electron moves around a circuit, it will take a fixed amount of energy from the battery, which it’ll carry to the
components.
The electrons deliver this energy to the components, before returning to the battery to be resupplied.
Each electron does work (expends energy, J) to pass through a component, transferring some or all of its energy. The
work done by an electron is equal to its loss of energy.

Potential Difference

This is the work done by the electron through a component per unit of charge.

Electromotive Force

This is the measurement of energy supplied per unit of charge to the electrons.

Voltage

Voltage therefore is the overarching term for both potential difference and electromotive force. P.d is the term used for
measure energy used by an electron through a component per unit of charge, while emf is the energy supplied to the
electrons per unit of charge.

This is p.d

This is emf