Voltage in a DC Circuit: The Difference in Potential Energy

In summary, voltage is defined as the difference in potential energy over two points b and a of a point charge due to the source charge of the electric field. This can be confusing because conventional current flow (from plus to minus) is based on the assumption of positive charges, but in reality, current flow is the movement of negative charges (electrons). An electric field is used to describe the movement of charged particles and is often associated with particles with a negative charge, such as electrons.
  • #1
Dosmascerveza
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In a DC circuit charges flow in the opposite direction to the electric field. Is the difference in potential energy over two points b and a of a point charge due to the source charge of this field defined as voltage?
 
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  • #2


Try reading here.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage

You may be confused between conventional (traditional) current flow which was based on the assumption of positive charges before it was discovered that current flow is actually the movement of free electrons in conductors...that is, negative charges..

So conventional dc current flow (of positive partciles) is from plus to minus in the circuit...but we all know the flow is REALLY in the opposite direction...because it's electrons that are moving...either convention is ok if used consistently...

An electric field is usually used to describe the movement iof a designated particle in free space, like air, or some medium with another dielectric constant...the particles in such a field are always identified as plus or minus...and are typically negative, electrons, as in a vacuum tube or klystron (used in radar and microwave ovens)...as two examples...
 

1. What is voltage in a DC circuit?

Voltage, also known as potential difference, is the measure of electric potential energy per unit charge in a circuit. It is the driving force that pushes electric charges through a circuit.

2. How is voltage measured in a DC circuit?

Voltage is measured in volts (V) using a voltmeter. The voltmeter is connected in parallel to the circuit and measures the difference in electric potential energy between two points.

3. What is the difference between voltage and current in a DC circuit?

Voltage is the measure of potential energy, while current is the measure of the flow of electric charges. Voltage is responsible for creating a potential difference in a circuit, while current is the result of this potential difference.

4. How does voltage affect the flow of electricity in a DC circuit?

Voltage is the driving force that pushes electric charges through a circuit. Higher voltage means a greater potential difference, which results in a higher flow of electric charges. Conversely, lower voltage results in a lower flow of electric charges.

5. What factors can affect voltage in a DC circuit?

The main factors that can affect voltage in a DC circuit include the battery or power source, the resistance of the circuit, and the type of materials used. Changes in any of these factors can result in a change in voltage in the circuit.

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