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voltage

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Voltage is the difference in electric potential between two points. It is measured in volts (V).

Electric potential is the energy per unit charge that an electric field possesses. It is measured in volts per meter (V/m).

The higher the voltage, the greater the difference in electric potential between the two points. This means that there is more energy available to move charges between the two points.

Voltage is important because it is what drives the current flow. Current is the flow of electric charge. When there is a voltage difference between two points, electrons will flow from the point with higher potential to the point with lower potential.

Voltage is also important because it determines the power of an electric circuit. Power is the rate at which energy is transferred. The higher the voltage, the more power can be transferred.

How can the word be used?

The lightning bolt generated a voltage of millions of volts.

voltage

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • the difference in electrical potential between two points in a circuit.
  • the force that pushes an electric current through a circuit.

Adjective: of or relating to voltage.

Etymology

The word "voltage" is derived from the word "volt", which is the unit of measurement for voltage.

The first recorded use of the word "voltage" was in 1889.

Question

Why is voltage important?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the concept of voltage drop in a circuit. Provide an example of a situation where a voltage drop occurs and its potential impact on electrical devices.

Answer:

Voltage drop refers to the decrease in electrical potential energy as electric current flows through a resistor or a component in a circuit. It occurs due to the resistance encountered by the current, converting some of its energy into other forms, such as heat or light.

For instance, consider a scenario where a series circuit includes a light bulb and a resistor. As current passes through the resistor, some of its energy is transformed into heat due to the resistance of the material. This results in a decrease in voltage across the light bulb compared to the initial voltage supplied by the power source.

Voltage drop can have significant consequences for electrical devices. In the case of the light bulb, a substantial voltage drop might cause it to emit less light or even cease functioning altogether. In more complex circuits, excessive voltage drop can lead to reduced efficiency and potential overheating of components. To mitigate voltage drop and maintain optimal performance, circuit designers must carefully choose materials and components with appropriate resistance values.