201902220301 Short Review II (Voltage, Electromotive Force, and Potential Difference)

Voltage, p.d. and e.m.f.


Definition.

Voltage V across two points is the change in electric potential energy U per unit charge passing between the points.

The unit of voltage is volt (V). By comparing units, \displaystyle{[\mathrm{voltage}]=\frac{[\mathrm{potential\,energy}]}{[\mathrm{charge}]}}, i.e., 1\mathrm{\,V}=1\mathrm{\,J\,C^{-1}}


Remark. Equivalently, (i) voltage V across two points is the change in electric potential V between the points. In other words, (ii) voltage V across two points is the potential difference \Delta V (p.d.) between two points.

V\stackrel{(\mathrm{def})}{=}\displaystyle{\Delta \bigg(\frac{U}{q}\bigg) =\frac{U_1}{q_1}-\frac{U_2}{q_2}\stackrel{(\mathrm{i})}{=}V_1-V_2\stackrel{(\mathrm{ii})}{=}\Delta V\,\mathrm{(p.d.)}}


Definition.

Electromotive force (e.m.f.) \varepsilon of a power source is the electrical energy per unit charge supplied by the source, when there is charge passing through it.


Remark. The e.m.f. of a source is measured when it is in open circuit, i.e., the source is not in use such that no current is being drawn.

Voltage V refers to e.m.f. \varepsilon when describing a power source, e.g., a cell.

Voltage V refers to p.d. \Delta V when describing an external circuit component, e.g., a load.

Measuring Voltage

By voltmeter, connected in parallel to a component in a circuit. An ideal voltmeter should have infinite resistance.

Voltage in Series and Parallel Circuits

In a series circuit, the sum of the potential differences across each load is equal to the e.m.f. of the power source.

In a parallel circuit, the potential difference across each load is the same as the e.m.f. of the power source.

Cells in Series and Parallel

In a series arrangement, the e.m.f. add up.

In a parallel arrangement, the currents add up.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *