Electromotive

force and
potential
difference
Electromotive force
• Electromotive force (e.m.f.) as the electrical work done by a source in
moving a unit charge around a complete circuit.

E = E.m.f in volts (V)

W= Work done/energy in joules (J)
Q = Charge in coulombs (C)
Potential difference
• Potential difference (p.d.) is the work done by a unit charge passing
through a component.
• The p.d. between two points is measured in volts (V)
Emf and pd
The cell produces its
highest potential
difference when not
connected in a circuit. This
maximum PD is known as
the electromotive force
(EMF) of the cell.

The battery cell gives electrons

potential energy. This energy is then
passed on to the components in the cell
Difference between emf & potential difference
Potential Difference

1.5 V
Potential Difference
1.5 V
Potential Difference

1.5 V 1.5 V
Potential Difference

3V 3V
Potential Difference
9V

4.5 V
Potential Difference

3V 3V
Potential Difference
1.5 V
Potential Difference
1.5 V
Potential Difference
1.5 V