IdeasCuriosas - Every Question Deserves an Answer Logo

In Physics / High School | 2014-09-15

Is there a difference between potential difference, voltage, and EMF?

Asked by malalamabia

Answer (2)

There may be an esoteric technical shade or nuance of difference. But I've been an electrical engineer for 40 years now, and have always used them interchangeably.
(I would have answered your question by saying "No.", but this website won't accept an answer that's less than 200 characters long.)

Answered by AL2006 | 2024-06-10

Voltage and potential difference are interchangeable terms representing electric potential energy difference, while electromotive force (EMF) specifically refers to the potential difference from a source when no current flows. EMF is also measured in volts and can differ from voltage when current is present due to internal resistance. Understanding these nuances helps clarify electrical concepts in circuits.
;

Answered by AL2006 | 2024-10-01

Related Questions in Physics

[Answered] Which best explains what happens when an electron moves from an excited state to the ground state? A. The electron absorbs energy as it moves to a lower energy level. B. The electron absorbs energy as it moves to a higher energy level. C. The electron releases energy as it moves to a higher energy level. D. The electron releases energy as it moves to a lower energy level.

[Answered] Particle A has very little mass in comparison to Particle B. Both particles are in the same atom. Which is the best conclusion about Particles A and B? A. They have the same charge. B. They are located in the nucleus together. C. Particle A has a positive charge, and Particle B is neutral. D. Particle A orbits the nucleus, and Particle B is located in the nucleus.

[Answered] Light of wavelength [tex]$5 \times 10^{-7} m$[/tex] falls on a sensitive metal plate with photoelectric work function 1.90 eV. Find the kinetic energy of the photoelectrons emitted and the stopping potential. (given [tex]$h =6.62 \times 10^{-34} Js$[/tex])

[Answered] Taden has found a table of the atmospheric layers of the Sun. However, he can't make out the names of the layers in the chart. [tex] \begin{tabular}{|l|l|l|l|} \hline & \multicolumn{1}{|c|}{ A } & \multicolumn{1}{c|}{ B } & \multicolumn{1}{c|}{ C } \\ \hline Position & Lowest & Middle & Outermost \\ \hline Thickness & 100 km & 2000 km & Millions of kilometers \\ \hline Temperature & 5,500 & 6,000 to 20,000 & $2,000,000$ \\ \hline \end{tabular} [/tex] What are the names of the Sun's layers described in columns A, B, and C? A. Corona; B: Photosphere; C: Chromosphere B. Core; B: Chromosphere; C: Photosphere C. Chromosphere; B: Corona; C: Core D. Photosphere; B: Chromosphere; C: Corona

[Answered] Charges of +5 C and -9 C are at a distance of 1 m from each other. Which diagram represents the force between the two charges?