1. Electric Potential (Voltage):

• Electric potential, often called voltage, is the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a point in an electric field.
• It is measured in volts (V), and its SI unit is the volt.
• Electric potential is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no direction.

2. Potential Difference (Voltage Difference):

• Potential difference, also known as voltage difference or electric potential drop, is the change in electric potential between two points in an electric field.
• It is measured in volts (V).
• Potential difference is responsible for the flow of electric current in a circuit.

3. Electric Field and Electric Potential:

• Electric potential is related to the electric field. The electric field points in the direction of the force experienced by a positive test charge.
• The electric potential decreases in the direction of the electric field. Work is done when a positive charge moves from a higher potential to a lower potential.

4. Formula for Potential Difference:

• The potential difference (V) between two points is calculated using the formula:
  V = ΔV = W / q
• Where V is the potential difference, ΔV is the change in potential, W is the work done in moving a charge q between the two points.

5. Unit of Electric Potential and Potential Difference:

• The SI unit of electric potential and potential difference is the volt (V).
• 1 Volt is equal to 1 Joule of energy per Coulomb of charge.

6. Electric Circuits:

• In electric circuits, potential difference (voltage) is what drives the flow of electric current.
• Batteries and power sources create a potential difference across the circuit, which allows electrons to flow from higher potential to lower potential, thereby powering devices.

7. Analogy with Gravity:

• Electric potential can be analogously compared to gravitational potential energy. Objects fall from higher to lower gravitational potential, just as charges move from higher to lower electric potential.

8. Series and Parallel Circuits:

• In series circuits, the potential difference across each resistor adds up to the total potential difference of the circuit.
• In parallel circuits, the potential difference across each branch is the same as the total potential difference.

9. Ohm’s Law:

• Ohm’s Law relates potential difference (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in a circuit: V = I * R.
• It states that the potential difference across a conductor is directly proportional to the current passing through it, provided the temperature and other physical conditions remain constant.

10. Safety Precautions:

• High potential differences can be dangerous. Electrical shock can result from contact with live wires or high-voltage sources.
• Safety measures, such as insulation, grounding, and circuit breakers, are essential to prevent accidents.

Let’s practice!