College Physics III – Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism
Definition
The volt is the unit of electric potential and electromotive force in the International System of Units (SI). It represents the potential difference across a conductor when a current of one ampere dissipates one watt of power. The volt is a fundamental unit that is essential in understanding and quantifying various electrical phenomena, from the storage of energy in capacitors to the generation of alternating current in household wiring.
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The volt is defined as the potential difference across a resistance of one ohm when a current of one ampere is flowing through it, as per Ohm's law (V = IR).
Electric potential energy is the potential energy of an electric charge due to its position in an electric field, and is measured in joules per coulomb, or volts.
The potential difference between two points in an electric field is the work done per unit charge in moving a test charge between those points, and is also measured in volts.
The energy stored in a capacitor is directly proportional to the square of the potential difference (voltage) across its plates, as given by the formula $E = \frac{1}{2}CV^2$.
Electromotive force (EMF) is the voltage or potential difference developed by a source of electrical energy, such as a battery or generator, which drives the flow of electric current in a circuit.
Review Questions
Explain how the volt is related to the concept of electric potential energy.
The volt is the unit of electric potential, which is the potential energy per unit charge of an electric charge in an electric field. Electric potential energy is the potential energy of an electric charge due to its position in an electric field, and is measured in joules per coulomb, or volts. The volt represents the work done per unit charge in moving a test charge within an electric field, and is a fundamental unit in understanding and quantifying various electrical phenomena.
Describe the relationship between the volt and the concept of potential difference.
The potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential between two points in an electrical field. It is the work done per unit charge in moving a test charge between these two points, and is measured in volts. The volt is the unit used to quantify this potential difference, as it represents the amount of work done per unit charge in moving a charge between the two points. Understanding the concept of potential difference and its measurement in volts is crucial in analyzing and designing electrical circuits and systems.
Analyze how the volt is related to the energy stored in a capacitor and the concept of electromotive force (EMF).
The energy stored in a capacitor is directly proportional to the square of the potential difference (voltage) across its plates, as given by the formula $E = \frac{1}{2}CV^2$. This demonstrates the importance of the volt in quantifying the energy storage capabilities of capacitors, which are essential components in many electrical and electronic devices. Additionally, electromotive force (EMF) is the voltage or potential difference developed by a source of electrical energy, such as a battery or generator, which drives the flow of electric current in a circuit. The volt is the unit used to measure this EMF, which is a fundamental concept in understanding the generation and distribution of electrical power.
The electric potential at a point in an electric field is the amount of work done per unit charge in bringing a small positive test charge from infinity to that point, without accelerating the test charge.
The potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential between two points in an electrical field. It is the work done per unit charge in moving a test charge between these two points.
Electromotive force is the voltage or potential difference developed by a source of electrical energy, such as a battery or generator, which drives the flow of electric current in a circuit.