13.5 Potential Difference
Electrical Potential Difference (V) is measured in volts [V]
Also called voltage
It is a measure of the difference in the amount of energy that an electron has between two points
When electrons leave a battery, they are given energy. This is called a Potential Rise
When electrons leave a resistor (or any load), they lose energy. This is called a Potential Drop
The device used to measure voltage is called a voltmeter. A voltmeter must be connected in
parallel across the circuit element being measured.
The symbol for an voltmeter is:
Draw a circuit with a 2-cell battery, lamp and a voltmeter.
Take up #2-4 on p. 561 if required.
Demo 13.6:
1. Compare series and parallel circuits with a source, 2 bulbs, a switch.
2. Compare the currents before each lamp in the series and parallel circuits.
3. Compare the voltage across each lamp in the series and parallel circuits.
Read and make POMS for 13.7
complete p.566#2-7