Potential Difference

Physics: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 2.1.8

Potential Difference

Potential difference is the difference in the amount of energy that charge carriers have between two points in a circuit.

Measured in volts

Measured in volts

  • Potential difference (p.d.) is measured in volts (V) and is also called voltage.
  • The energy is transferred to the electrical components in a circuit when the charge carriers pass through them.
  • We use a voltmeter to measure potential difference (or voltage).

Test yourself on Potential Difference

  • What instrument do you use to measure a potential difference?

  • Which of the following are true of potential difference?

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