To calculate the energy expended in moving a charge through a potential difference, you can use the formula:
Energy (E) = Charge (Q) × Potential Difference (V)
Given:
Charge (Q) = 20 Coulombs
Potential Difference (V) = 0.5 Volts
Plugging in the values:
E = 20 C × 0.5 V
E = 10 Joules
Therefore, the energy expended in moving a 20 Coulomb charge through a potential difference of 0.5 Volts is 10 Joules.
When one coulomb of charge (electrons) is lifted through a potential difference of 1 volt, it gains one joule of energy. When one coulomb of charge (like 1 Amp flowing for 1 second) drops through a potential difference of one volt, it loses one joule of energy ... which is used to generate 1 joule of heat and/or light, transmit 1 watt of radio for 1 second, run a 1-watt motor for 1 second, etc.
That is 1 Joule of energy. If it happens in 1 second, 1 amp would have flowed during that time. The same amount of work (energy) is done by moving a force of 1 Newton through a distance of 1 metre.
The potential difference ('voltage') is equal to the work done per unit charge, i.e. the energy given to each Coulomb of charge. So, a six Volt battery provides six Joules of energy to each Coulomb of charge.
A volt is not a unit of energy. It is a unit of something that in English is usually called "voltage". It is really about electric potential. One volt is equal to one joule/coulomb; that means that if an electric charge of 1 coulomb goes through a potential difference of 1 volt, it will either gain or lose 1 joule of energy.
When one coulomb of charge (electrons) is lifted through a potential difference of 1 volt, it gains one joule of energy. When one coulomb of charge (like 1 Amp flowing for 1 second) drops through a potential difference of one volt, it loses one joule of energy ... which is used to generate 1 joule of heat and/or light, transmit 1 watt of radio for 1 second, run a 1-watt motor for 1 second, etc.
To move a charge through a potential difference, you need to apply a force to counteract the electric field that exists due to the potential difference. This force must overcome any resistance in the system, such as friction or other impediments. The work done in moving the charge through the potential difference is equal to the product of the charge and the potential difference.
Potential difference is defined as follows: every coloumb of charge that passes through this difference will gain (or lose, depending on direction and signs) 1 joule of energy. This unit, joule/coloumb, is simply called the volt.
The electrical unit of potential difference is the volt, represented by the symbol V. It is a measure of the force that pushes electric charge through a circuit.
The potential difference accross the resistor changes mainly due to gradual increase accumulation of electrons in the lower potential region which will in turn affect the potential gradient as the current flows through the resistor
A potential difference, or voltage, is necessary for a sustained flow of electric charge through a conducting medium. This potential difference creates an electric field that pushes the charges through the conductor. Without a potential difference, the charges will not move and no current will flow.
Current flows through a wire when there is a difference in electric potential between two points. This potential difference creates an electric field that drives the flow of electric charge (current) through the wire.
Potential difference is also known as voltage, which is the force that drives electrical current through a circuit. It is measured in volts (V).