Voltage, also known as electric potential difference, is a
fundamental concept in electricity and electrical circuits. It refers to the
potential energy difference per unit charge between two points in an electric
field. Voltage is measured in units called Volts (V) and is denoted by the
symbol "V."
In simple terms, voltage can be thought of as the
"push" or "force" that drives electric charges to move
within a circuit. It represents the potential energy that an electric charge
possesses due to its position in an electric field.
Key points about voltage:
- Potential
Difference: Voltage represents the difference in electric potential
between two points in a circuit. It is measured by comparing the electric
potential at one point to the electric potential at another point.
- Electromotive
Force (EMF): Voltage is often referred to as electromotive force (EMF).
EMF is the energy per unit charge provided by a source, such as a battery
or generator, to establish an electric potential difference in a circuit.
- Unit
of Measurement: Voltage is measured in Volts (V). One Volt is defined as
the potential difference across a conductor when a current of one Ampere
flows through it, and the power dissipated is one Watt.
- Polarity:
Voltage has polarity, which indicates the direction of the potential
difference between two points. It signifies the positive and negative ends
of a voltage source or the terminals of a circuit element.
- Voltage
Sources: Voltage can be provided by various sources, including batteries,
generators, power supplies, and electrical outlets. These sources create a
potential difference that enables the flow of electric current in a
circuit.
- Voltage
and Current: Voltage is closely related to current in Ohm's Law. Ohm's Law
states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly
proportional to the voltage across it and inversely proportional to its
resistance. Mathematically, Ohm's Law can be expressed as:
I = V / R
where I is the current, V is the voltage, and R is the
resistance.
Voltage is a fundamental concept in understanding the behavior of electrical circuits, including the flow of electric current, power dissipation, and the operation of electronic devices. It plays a crucial role in various applications, ranging from powering electronic devices to electrical distribution systems.
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