Electric Potential: Resistor, Battery, Voltmeter - What is the PD?

In summary, the potential difference (p.d.) across the resistor is zero since the circuit is not complete. However, the p.d. from the open end of the resistor to the wire connected to the negative terminal is 5V. This is due to Ohm's Law, where the current (I) is 0 since the circuit is incomplete, resulting in a p.d. of 0. Thank you.
  • #1
Kushal
438
1
hi...

if you got resistor, having its positive terminal attached to the positive end of a battery (say emf 5V), and the negative end left connected to a simple wire, as such...in short, the circuit is not complete.

what is the pd when a voltmeter is connected across the resistor?

is it zero, or 5V??

and what is the potential, at any point on the wire connected to the negative terminal of the resistor?

thnks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The p.d. is zero. Potentials only make sense relatively. In this case, the potential is the same as the +ve end of the battery.
 
  • #3
oooiee...thnks
 
  • #4
Ohm's Law: V=IR
V = voltage across resistor
I = current through resistor
Current cannot flow since the circuit is incomplete (Kirchoff's Current Law).
I = 0,
regardless of R, V = 0
The p.d. across the resistor is zero, but the p.d. from the open end of the resistor to the "simple wire" is 5V.
 

FAQ: Electric Potential: Resistor, Battery, Voltmeter - What is the PD?

What is electric potential?

Electric potential is a measure of the electric potential energy per unit charge at a point in an electric field. It is also known as voltage.

What is a resistor?

A resistor is an electrical component that limits the flow of electric current in a circuit. It is used to control the amount of current in a circuit and to dissipate heat.

What is a battery?

A battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. It is made up of one or more electrochemical cells that have a positive and negative electrode, separated by an electrolyte.

What is a voltmeter?

A voltmeter is a measuring instrument used to measure the electric potential difference, or voltage, between two points in an electrical circuit. It is typically connected in parallel to the circuit being measured.

What is potential difference?

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential between two points in an electrical circuit. It is the driving force that causes electric charges to flow from one point to another.

Back
Top