Define the potential difference between two points.

Jasmine Grover logo

Jasmine Grover

Education Journalist | Study Abroad Lead

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is a measure of the electrical potential energy difference between two points in an electric circuit. It represents the amount of energy required to move a unit charge from one point to another in the circuit.

  1. The potential difference between any two points is defined as the amount of work done to move a unit of positive charge without acceleration from one point to another between the two points.
  2. It is denoted by dV.

dv = \(dw \over dq\)

  • The potential difference between two points in a circuit can be thought of as the electrical equivalent of the height difference between two points in a gravitational field.
  • Just as the height difference determines the amount of potential energy that an object possesses, the potential difference between two points in a circuit determines the amount of energy that is available to be transferred to the circuit's components.
  • Potential difference is usually measured in volts (V), which is a unit of electrical potential.

potential difference

Therefore, the potential difference between two points in a circuit is a measure of the electrical potential energy difference between those two points and represents the amount of energy that is available to be transferred to the circuit's components.

The potential difference between baby two points A and B is the shift in the potential energy of a charge q, divided by the charge when it’s shifted from A to B.

Vb – Va = \({U_b - U_a \over q} = {W_{ab}\over q} = dV\)

Read More:

CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

  • 1.
    A charged particle $+q$ in an electric field $\vec{E}$ experiences a force in the direction of the electric field. As a result, its kinetic energy changes. Similarly, the charged particle also experiences a force when it moves in a magnetic field $\vec{B}$. But this magnetic force is perpendicular to both velocity $\vec{v}$ of the charged particle and the magnetic field $\vec{B}$, so it cannot change the kinetic energy of the charged particle. Consider two charged particles 1 and 2 of masses $m$ and $\frac{m}{2}$ having charges $-q$ and $+2q$ respectively. They are accelerated from rest through the same potential difference $V$ and acquire kinetic energy $K_1$ and $K_2$. Then they enter in a region of uniform magnetic field $\vec{B}$ perpendicular to their velocities.


      • 2.
        Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor of plate area A and plate separation d with air present between the plates.


          • 3.
            Consider the nuclear reaction \( X \to Y + Z \). Let \( M_x \), \( M_y \), and \( M_z \) be the masses of the three nuclei X, Y, and Z respectively. Then which of the following relations hold true?

              • \( (M_x - M_z)<M_y \)
              • \( (M_x - M_y)<M_z \)
              • \( M_x>(M_y + M_z) \)
              • \( M_x<(M_y + M_z) \)

            • 4.
              With the help of a labelled diagram, explain the principle, construction and working of an a.c. generator.


                • 5.
                  A student sets up the circuit as shown in the figure to find the value of unknown resistance X and records a set of readings of the voltmeter and the ammeter by using the rheostat.


                    • 6.
                      Capacitors are manufactured with certain standard capacitances and working voltages. However, these standard values may not be the ones that are actually needed in a particular application. Two or more capacitors can be grouped in series or in parallel to achieve desired capacitance and voltage. When connected in series, the total capacitance decreases while the voltage rating increases, whereas in parallel connections, the total capacitance increases and maintains the same voltage rating. A capacitor stores energy in the electric field between its plates and stored energy is proportional to the square of the voltage and capacitance $U = \frac{1}{2}CV^2$, where symbols have their usual meanings.
                      Two capacitors, one of $3 \ \mu$F and the other of $6 \ \mu$F, are connected in series in the circuit as shown in the figure, for a long time. }

                        CBSE CLASS XII Previous Year Papers

                        Comments


                        No Comments To Show