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

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Two identical uniform spheres each of radius R are placed in contact. The gravitational force between them is F. They are then separated until the force between them is one ninth of the magnitude. What is the distance between the surfaces of the spheres?


Explain what happens in terms of current induced as a magnet enters a solenoid in a closed circuit, and as it leaves.


Describe and explain how a constant rate of fission is maintained in a reactor by considering what events or sequence of events may happen to the released neutrons. (6 marks)


A cannon is fired at 30 degrees from the ground and the cannonball has initial velocity of 15 m/s. What is the height of the highest point the cannonball reaches and how far is this point horizontally from the cannon?