What is potential difference

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric circuit. It's the work done per unit charge in moving an electric charge from one point to another against the electric field.

Here are the steps to understand it:

1. Electric Potential: It's the amount of electric potential energy per unit of charge at a specific point in a field. It's measured in volts.

2. Potential Difference: This is the difference in electric potential between two points. It can be thought of as the 'push' that drives charge carriers through a circuit.

3. Measurement: The potential difference is measured in volts (V) using a device called a voltmeter.

4. Calculation: It's calculated by the formula V=W/Q, where V is the potential difference, W is the work done in joules and Q is the charge in coulombs.

5. Role in Circuit: In an electric circuit, the battery or power supply provides the potential difference. This causes the electric charges to flow, creating current.

6. Energy Transfer: The potential difference is essentially the energy transferred from electrical energy to other forms (like light, heat, sound etc.) when the charge passes through a component (like a bulb or resistor).

So, in simple terms, potential difference is the 'push' that causes charges to move in a circuit and is a measure of the energy transferred from electrical energy to other forms.