What's the difference between Potential Difference and Electromotive Force

Although both are measured in volts, there is a subtle difference in their respective definition. Electromotive Force is the transfer of chemical energy in a battery (multiple single cells) into electrical energy per unit charge. Potential Difference is the transfer of electrical energy to other forms per unit charge, like kinetic in a motor or to hear in a heating element.
Both can be worked out numerically by computing V=W/Q

JJ
Answered by Joseph J. Physics tutor

4526 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A car of mass m is travelling at a speed v around a circular track of radius r banked at an angle θ. (a) What is the centripetal acceleration of the car? (b) What is the normal force acting on the car? (c) If θ = 45°, r = 1 km what is the maximum speed?


Explain, in terms of the behaviour of molecules, how a gas exerts a pressure on the walls of its container. (4)


Atmospheric Pressure is about 1.0x10^5 Pa. What is the downward force of the air on a desktop of surface area 1m^2?


How does the strong nuclear force between two nucleons varies with separation of the nucleons. Please detail the range over which the force acts.


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