What is the difference between EMF and Voltage?

EMF stands for the Electromotive Force and it can be defined in a few ways:

1. It's the potential across the terminal ends of a cell.

2. Or in other words, the amount of energy that is given to a charge in in the circuit as it leaves the cell. 

When we talk about EMF we usually talk about a circuit powered by a cell with some internal resistance. All cells have an internal resistance that prevent them from outputing a constant Voltage. Some of this energy is lost as heat to the surroundings when it passes through the internal resistance of the cell.

When we talk about voltage we usually talk about the potential difference across two points in a circuit.

EMF can be found using the equation E = I(R+r).

Voltage can be found using the equation V = IR.

If we compare both equations we see that EMF and V are very closely related, where EMF adds the internal resistance to the equation to make up for the energy loss in the cell due to it's internal resistance.

FG
Answered by Francisco G. Physics tutor

2096 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

A ball of mass m with initial velocity u rebounds from a wall, with final velocity v. Using Newton's laws of motion explain forces acting in the system.


Why does the temperature of a substance during a phase change stay constant, despite heat being transferred?


Based on Newton's 3 laws of motion why is linear momentum always conserved?


When do you use each of the SUVAT equations? I am slightly confused about projectile motion.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning