Potential Difference
Physics: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 2.2.6
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
- 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).
- 1 Volt is the same as 1 Joule per Coulomb.
Test yourself on Potential Difference
What instrument do you use to measure a potential difference?
Which of the following are true of potential difference?