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 ▸

Why do all objects fall at the same rate in a vacuum, independent of mass?


When does a pendulum bob move fastest and why?


A diver of mass 60kg stands on the end of a diving board of length 2m from the pivot point. Calculate the upward force exerted on the retaining spring 30cm from the pivot point.


A particle of mass 5kg is moving in circular motion with a time period of 2 seconds. The radius of the circle is 10m. What is the centripetal force on the particle