Potential difference
What Potential difference means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Potential difference
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Reference: OCR
The difference in potential between two points, where the work done W in moving a charge q between them is W = qΔV.
The difference between two potentials, ΔV = V₂ − V₁, which links potential difference to energy transfer.
The work done per unit charge, given by V = W/Q, so one volt is one joule per coulomb.
The energy transferred per unit charge between two points in a circuit.
Topics that use Potential difference
- Basics of electricity (AQA A-Level)
- Gravitational potential (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- E.m.f. and p.d (OCR A-Level)
- Electric potential and energy (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Work done
- Applying W = VQ and W = EQ
- Charge carriers and current direction
- E.m.f.
- Electric current
- Electric potential
- Electromotive force (e.m.f.)
- Energy transfer and charge
Using Potential difference in the exam
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