- #1
ellieee
- 78
- 6
- Homework Statement
- I'm not sure what this symbol means
- Relevant Equations
- V1 = R1 / R1+R2+R3 x "inverted 3"
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A query about this electrical circuit symbol
- Thread starter ellieee
- Start date
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SUMMARY
The epsilon symbol (##\mathscr E##) represents ElectroMotive Force (emf) in electrical circuits, distinguishing it from voltage (V) which refers to the potential difference across components. The discussion emphasizes that while batteries are labeled with ##\mathscr E##, the voltage across them can differ due to internal resistance. For ideal voltage sources with zero internal resistance, the values of V and ##\mathscr E## are equivalent. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurately analyzing circuit behavior.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of electrical circuit symbols
- Familiarity with ElectroMotive Force (emf)
- Knowledge of voltage and potential difference concepts
- Basic principles of internal resistance in voltage sources
- Research the differences between ideal and non-ideal voltage sources
- Learn about internal resistance and its effects on circuit performance
- Explore the use of LaTeX for typesetting electrical symbols
- Study practical applications of ElectroMotive Force in circuit design
Students of electrical engineering, educators teaching circuit theory, and professionals involved in circuit design and analysis will benefit from this discussion.
- #2
phinfinity
- 4
- 6
The epsilon symbol (##\epsilon##) stands for "emf" or ElectroMotive Force. I think it's a bit of a technicality to name voltage sources like batteries with ##\epsilon## while potential difference generated across other components are labeled as Voltage (V).
- #3
Steve4Physics
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I know I'm being pedantic but can I add:phinfinity said:
1) It is ##\mathscr E## not an epsilon (##\epsilon##). The symbol is a 'script E'. My school physics teacher used to call it a 'curly E'. (To get the symbol with Latex, use \mathscr E.)
2) There is an important difference between the voltage (more correctly terminal pd), V, of a voltage-source and the source's emf ##\mathscr E##.
If the voltage-source has some internal resistance, then when a current flows V is smaller than ##\mathscr E##. But for an ideal voltage-source (zero internal resistance) V and ##\mathscr E## are the same value. Most simple circuit problems assume an ideal voltage-source; in that case you don't need to worry about the difference.