Physics 12.4.1a - Electric Potential and Potential Difference

A discussion of electric potential and potential difference. High school difficulty level. From the physics course by Derek Owens. The distance learning course is available at http://www.derekowens.com

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Physics
• electricity
• electric potential
• potential difference
• voltage
• homeschool
• distance learning
• Derek Owens

[JaneFishhouse]

Really enjoy your explanations, simple and straight to the point. You are a great teacher.

I don't understand one thing, can you tell how exactly in reality charges are 'moved' apart from each other for greater PE/Voltage? I guess you can't really take an electron and move it away from quantity of protons with a finger...

I'm very eager to know this.

[derekowens]

@JaneFishhouse Thanks, and that's a great question. In a netshell: electrons can be moved by inducing a current, which is done by physically moving the wire across a magnetic field. This involve physical work, and the result is current flow. You could also imagine this: instead of moving the electrons, instead change the field around them so that they are then at a point of higher PE.

[ncthis]

What is the diference between work and energy in physics?

[derekowens]

@ncthis Mathematically, they are the same. Energy is often defined as "the ability to do work". Work done and energy expended are typically the same thing.

[godzilla5500]

@derekowens When referring to current electricity, what particular field study is it under? Also,if you were to give a presentation (like i have to) what particular aspects of current electricity do you think are pivotal to explain? it'll only be like 3 minutes of talking generally about the topic.

[derekowens]

@godzilla5500 Electricity is definitely part of the study of Physics, which fits more broadly in the Physical Sciences. In my mind, one of the key aspects of current electricity as opposed to static, is that all the electric devices we use run on current electricity.  Being able to harness and control the electric current has changed the world in a profound way. If you have to distill it down to one equation, focus on Ohm's Law.

[monroetsd]

i love the grunting sound effects lol

[MistrEgg]

you are PRO at drawing on that thing.

[eddierey220]

What kind of software is he using??

[ankitnandwani12345]

nyc :)

[Parishrut2]

WOW!

[nrazdan8]

YOU ARE AWESOME. I'm studying for the MCATs and I dreaded the Physics section, but you are making me feel much more confident. You are organized, clear, interesting, and an excellent explainer. I really appreciate your efforts.

[WTFdomination]

You sound like George Bush but more canadian...

[godzilla5500]

@TheDevilvivek You should've perfected your grammatical abilities instead...:(