Potential Difference and Circuit Behavior
This page delves into the concept of potential difference and its role in electrical circuits.
Definition: Potential difference is described as a force that pushes charge around a circuit. It is also defined as the energy transferred per coulomb of charge.
The unit of potential difference is Volts (V).
The page explains how potential difference behaves in different circuit configurations:
- In series circuits, the potential difference is shared among components
- In parallel circuits, the potential difference is the same across all branches
Vocabulary: The term "pd" is used as an abbreviation for potential difference.
The relationship between potential difference, energy transferred, and charge moved is expressed through the equation:
Potential difference = Energy transferred / Charge moved
Highlight: The page emphasizes the use of voltmeters for measuring potential difference in circuits. It notes that voltmeters are connected in parallel with the component being measured.
The page includes a diagram illustrating the measurement of potential difference across a bulb in a simple circuit. This visual aid helps students understand the practical application of voltmeters in circuit analysis.
Example: Although not explicitly stated, the diagram shows a circuit with a 6V battery and a bulb. This setup can be used to demonstrate how to measure the potential difference across the bulb using a voltmeter.
This section of the notes is crucial for understanding current and potential difference in circuits, as it complements the earlier discussion on current by introducing the concept that drives charge movement in electrical systems.
