Voltage is 'potential difference', but difference between what?
2006-12-03 07:57:48 · 6 answers · asked by claireybearyfairy 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Robert is technically correct, but it sounds confusing. Voltage is usually measured between two points in a circuit, not between two points on a single charged object. "Potential difference" is another name for voltage, because it does not have to be causing a current in order to measure it. Another fancy name for voltage which you may hear is electromotive force, that which forces electrons to move.
In a circuit, like a radio receiver or amplifier, voltages are usually measured with reference to ground (zero volts) or the voltage of the DC supply.
Let's take one component at a time. A resistor allows a certain amount of current per unit voltage to pass through, that is definied as its resistance. This means that when a resistor is in a circuit with other components, a certain amount of the voltage will 'drop' across the resistor. (Think of a drop in water pressure, when tracing it around a system of pipes.)
Kirchoff's Voltage law states that the sum of all the voltage drops around a closed loop in a circuit must equal the supply voltage.
Think of a string of Christmas tree lights. They are usually wired in series, one after the other. If one burns out (open circuit) no current passes, and the voltage ALL drops across that open. You have to test EACH SEPARATE bulb to find the one that burned out. When you replace it, each bulb drops a certain amount of voltage (all about the same amount) which total up to the supply voltage.
Certain other kinds of components have fixed voltage drops across them when they are working correctly. A silicon bipolar junction transistor has three terminals, the B, C and E. There must always be a 0.7 volt drop between the B and E. If there is any other value, the transistor is not operating correctly and must be replaced.
If the voltage between B and C is zero, the transistor is shorted and must be replaced. Much of electronics troubleshooting is based on such rules and knowing how to measure voltage drops and what causes them.
I hope this helps.
3 DEC 06, 2117 hrs, GMT.
2006-12-03 08:13:01 · answer #1 · answered by cdf-rom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say to listen to Robert at the top and not the next two who give more confusing answers. The potential difference that is talked about in relation to voltage is related to the change in electrical potential energy from point A to point B.
2006-12-03 08:23:27 · answer #2 · answered by msi_cord 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Voltage is like the power pushing the amperage/current. The potential difference is the difference of 2 voltages. In 120VAC electric, the neutral is 0 volts, so, 120VAC potential. Now, if you had a 120VDC + power connected to a 20VDC+ power, you would have a net 100VDC+. Likewise, voltage can be additive - 120VDC+ connected to 20VDC- would be 140VDC difference.
2006-12-03 08:10:32 · answer #3 · answered by Eddie M. 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Voltage is the term utilized in engineering and each and daily existence. the final term for voltage is ability at a factor. Voltage distinction or voltage drop is the version in ability between 2 factors. subsequently use the term ability quite of voltage, and ability distinction quite of voltage drop. Now you will understand each factor. =================================== related to Ohm's regulation, till ultimately one is conscious the concepts, notice that ability distinction is the reason of cutting-edge and cutting-edge is the effects of ability distinction. evaluate the two ends of a resistance, A and B. the skill at A (voltage of A) is 12 V and that at B (voltage of B) is likewise 12V. the skill distinction is 0. subsequently there is not any cutting-edge with the aid of the resistance. evaluate now that the skill of B is 10V. the skill distinction is 12- 10 = 2V. we are saying that the voltage drop from A to B is 2V, (i.e., the skill distinction is 2V} If the resistance is two Ohm, then as according to Ohm's regulation the present would be 1A. evaluate now that the skill of B is 6V. The voltage drop (ability distinction is 12 -6 = 6V. notice that the voltage of B is 6V and additionally the voltage drop throughout the time of AB is likewise 6V. yet they're diverse. Now the present with the aid of the resistance is 6/2 = 3A. cutting-edge is promptly proportional to the voltage drop. (to not the voltage) ======================================... in most of the calculations we are in touch in undemanding terms with the voltage drop and not the actually voltage. subsequently it has grow to be a custom (however this is not ultimate) to synonymously use the words voltage and voltage drop. ======================================... comments: you could locate interior the most of the solutions given above, the term voltage is used. the elementary answer is replace voltage via ability at a factor if it referes ability at a factor and replace it via voltage drop or via ability distinction in the event that they refer drop of ability. ======================================...
2016-12-10 21:12:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the difference between the potential energy of an electrically charged object at two different locations in an electric field. It is measured in Volts, which are Joules of energy per Coulomb of charge on the object.
2006-12-03 08:00:58 · answer #5 · answered by Robert A 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If a wire were like a garden hose, then voltage would be the "pressure" that moves the water through the hose. It is the "push" of the electricity.
2006-12-03 08:02:48 · answer #6 · answered by www.HaysEngineering.com 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋