Charge Separation and Energy Flashcards
Charge separation and potential difference
To separate oppositely charged particles, energy is required. Once separated, these charges are ready to come back together - they are said to have electrical potential energy. There is a difference between the potential in energy between the charges - this is called electrical potential difference (voltage). If released, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy, and current is created.
Electrical potential energy: energy required to move charge.
Electrical Potential Difference: The difference in electrical potential energy between two points in a circuit.
Electrical Potential Difference and Energy
Potential difference (V) can be measured as the electric potential charge divided by unit of charge (q). Voltmeters measure the potential difference between two points in a circuit. They MUST be connected in parallel, so they can experience the same drop as the device they’re measuring.
