The Terms Potential & Potential Difference

[Chase25]

So I'm supposed to read Chapter 34 (Electric Current) in the next couple of days. I'm sure I'll have more questions about it but one question I have right now is what does the book mean by the term potential and potential difference. My teacher briefly explained it but I couldn't stay awake this morning so could I have some help?

 

[Simon Bridge]

So I'm supposed to read Chapter 34 (Electric Current) in the next couple of days.

What is the book - the reference is meaningless without this information.

I'm sure I'll have more questions about it but one question I have right now is what does the book mean by the term potential and potential difference.

The book should have defined the terms. Reread those bits.

For electric circuits:
the potential difference is the voltage between two places in the circuit.
the potential is the potential difference between some place in the circuit and some standard reference point like the ground or the negative terminal of the power supply.
the potential energy of a charge is qV - the amount of charge times the potential where it is.
when a charge falls through a potential difference ΔV, it gains kinetic energy qΔV.

 

[Chase25]

For electric circuits:
the potential difference is the voltage between two places in the circuit.
the potential is the potential difference between some place in the circuit and some standard reference point like the ground or the negative terminal of the power supply.
the potential energy of a charge is qV - the amount of charge times the potential where it is.
when a charge falls through a potential difference ΔV, it gains kinetic energy qΔV.

Thanks!

 

[Simon Bridge]

Just to cement it: compare with gravity close to the Earth's surface:

potential difference between two heights, h₁ and h₂ would be g(h₂ - h₁)
potential at height h is gh (the standard reference point being the ground)
potential energy of mass m at height h is mgh
a mass m falling though distance Δh gains kinetic energy mgΔh

 

[Nickie]

Potential and potential difference are terms used in the study of electric current. They refer to the amount of electrical energy that a charged particle possesses, and the difference in energy between two points in an electric field.

In simpler terms, potential is a measure of the electrical potential energy that a charged particle has at a specific point in an electric field. It can also be thought of as the amount of work needed to move a charged particle from one point to another in the electric field.

Potential difference, on the other hand, is the difference in potential between two points in an electric field. It is also referred to as voltage and is measured in units of volts (V). It is a measure of the force or push that causes charged particles to move through a circuit.

Understanding these terms is important in understanding electric current and how it works. As you continue to read Chapter 34, you will learn more about these concepts and how they relate to electric circuits and the flow of electricity. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to ask your teacher or seek additional resources for clarification. Good luck with your studies!