Potential Difference (Edexcel International A Level Physics)

Potential Difference

Potential Difference

• A cell makes one end of the circuit positive and the other negative

• This sets up a potential difference across the circuit

  • This is sometimes known as the voltage

• The potential difference is defined as the work done per unit charge and is measured in units of volts (V)

Measuring Voltage

• Potential difference (or voltage) is measured using a voltmeter

• A voltmeter is always set up in parallel to (also called 'across') the component being measured

  • Potential difference across components in parallel is always the same due to conservation of energy

Potential difference can be measured by connecting a voltmeter in parallel between two points in a circuit