Potential Difference Physics Example 1

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easy

A battery has a potential difference of

9 \text{ V}

across its terminals. How much energy does it give to each coulomb of charge that passes through it?

1
Potential difference (voltage) is defined as energy per unit charge: $V = \frac{W}{Q}$ .
2
For $1 \text{ C}$ of charge: $W = VQ = 9 \times 1 = 9 \text{ J}$ .
3
Each coulomb of charge gains $9 \text{ J}$ of electrical energy from the battery.

Answer

W = 9 \text{ J per coulomb}

Potential difference measures the energy transferred per unit charge between two points. A

9 \text{ V}

battery gives

9 \text{ J}

of energy to every coulomb of charge, which is then dissipated in the circuit components.

About Potential Difference

The difference in electric potential between two points, equal to the work done per unit charge moving between them.

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