Potential Difference Physics Example 2

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Example 2

medium
A current of 0.5 A0.5 \text{ A} flows through a 10 Ω10 \text{ } \Omega resistor. What is the potential difference across the resistor? How much energy is dissipated in 20 s20 \text{ s}?

Solution

  1. 1
    Potential difference: V=IR=0.5×10=5 VV = IR = 0.5 \times 10 = 5 \text{ V}.
  2. 2
    Charge flowing in 20 s20 \text{ s}: Q=It=0.5×20=10 CQ = It = 0.5 \times 20 = 10 \text{ C}.
  3. 3
    Energy dissipated: E=VQ=5×10=50 JE = VQ = 5 \times 10 = 50 \text{ J}

Answer

V=5 V,E=50 JV = 5 \text{ V}, \quad E = 50 \text{ J}
The potential difference across a resistor represents the electrical energy converted to thermal energy per coulomb. The total energy dissipated depends on the voltage, current, and time.

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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