- Electric potential is a scalar quantity, and it is positive near a positive charge and negative near a negative charge.
- Electric potential is taken as zero at infinity because the force between charges becomes zero at infinite separation.
- The potential difference between two points is measured using a voltmeter, which is connected in parallel with the circuit, with its positive terminal at the higher-potential point.
Definitions [18]
Define Electric potential.
Electric potential is a measure of work done on the unit's positive charge to bring it to that point against all electrical forces. It is represented as ‘V’.
Definition: Potential Difference
The potential difference (p.d.) between two points is equal to the work done per unit charge in moving a positive test charge from one point to the other.
OR
The work done per unit positive charge in moving a charge from one point to another in an electric field, is called potential difference between those two points.
Define the following:
Potential difference
Potential difference: The potential difference between two points may be defined as the work done in moving a unit positive charge from one point to the other.
Definition: Potential at a Point
The potential at a point is defined as the amount of work done per unit charge in bringing a positive test charge from infinity to that point.
Define the following:
Conventional current
The movement of the positive charge is called conventional current.
Define the unit of current.
The unit of electric current is ampere (A). When 1 C of charge flows through a conductor in 1 s, it called 1 ampere (A) current.
I = `Q/t`
Define the term resistivity.
The resistivity of a material is the resistance of a wire of that material of unit length and unit area of cross-section.
Define the following:
Super conductors
Substances whose resistance decreases tremendously with decreasing temperature and reaches nearly zero near absolute zero are called superconductors; e.g., lead, tin, etc.
Define the following:
Semiconductors
Semiconductors: Substances whose resistance decreases with the increase in temperature are named as semiconductors. E.g. manganin, constantan etc.
Define an electric current.
An electric current is measured by the amount of electric charge moving per unit time at any point in the circuit.
The magnitude of an electric current is the number of electric charges flowing through a conductor in one second.
Definition: Electric Circuit
A continuous and closed path of an electric current is called an electric circuit.
Definition: Current
Current is defined as the rate of flow of charge.
Define the following:
Electromotive force
Electromotive force: When no current is drawn from a cell, when the cell is in open circuit, the potential difference between the terminals of the cell is called its electromotive force (or e.m.f.).
Definition: Conductance
The reciprocal of resistance is called conductllnce. It is denoted by the letter G.
Define the following:
Coulomb
One coulomb is the amount of electric charge transferred by a current of one ampere in one second.
Define one ohm.
One ohm is the resistance of a component when the potential difference of one volt applied across the component drives a current of one ampere through it.
Define temperature coefficient of resistance.
The temperature coefficient is defined as the ratio of the increase in resistivity per degree rise in temperature to its resistivity at T0.
Define Current density.
Current density is a vector quantity, often known as an area vector or cross-sectional area vector, whose value is equal to the electric current flowing per unit area.
J = `"I"/"A"`
S.I unit is A/m2.
Formulae [1]
Formula: Electric Potential at a Point
V = \[\frac {W}{Q}\]
or
W = QV
Theorems and Laws [2]
State Ohm’s law. Is it always true?
According to Ohm’s law, the current flowing in a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference across its ends, provided the physical conditions and temperature of the conductor remain constant.
No, it is not always true. E.g., Diode valve, junction diode, etc., do not obey Ohm’s law.
Law: Ohm's Law
Statement: Ohm’s Law
"The electric current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference across its ends, provided the temperature and other physical conditions of the conductor remain constant."
Mathematically,
I ∝ V or V = I R
where:
- V = Potential difference (in volts)
- I = Current (in amperes)
- R = Resistance of the conductor (in ohms, Ω)
Explanation:
When two conductors at different electric potentials are joined by a metallic wire, electrons flow from the conductor at a lower potential (excess electrons) to the one at a higher potential (deficit of electrons). This movement of electrons results in an electric current.
- The current continues to flow until both conductors reach the same potential.
- For continuous current flow, a constant potential difference must be maintained across the ends of the conductor (e.g., using a battery or power supply).
Derivation / Mathematical Proof:
From Ohm’s Law:
I ∝ V ⇒ \[\frac {V}{I}\] = constant
This constant is defined as the resistance (R) of the conductor. Therefore,
V = I R ---(1)
This is the mathematical form of Ohm’s Law.
Special Case:
If the current I = 1 A, then:
V = R
This implies that the resistance of a conductor is numerically equal to the potential difference across it when 1 ampere of current flows through it.
Conclusion:
Ohm's Law provides a fundamental relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in an electric circuit. It is widely used in the design and analysis of electrical and electronic systems.
Key Points
Key points: Potential and Potential Difference
Key Points: Electric Current
- Electricity is a convenient and controllable form of energy widely used in homes, industries, schools, and hospitals.
- Electric current is produced when electric charges flow through a conductor, and it flows only through a closed, continuous electric circuit.
- A switch completes or breaks the circuit; when the circuit is broken, current stops flowing, and devices like bulbs do not glow.
- Electric current is the rate of flow of charge, given by the relation I = Q / t, where Q is charge and t is time.
- In metallic wires, electrons are the charge carriers, but by convention, current flows from the positive to the negative terminal, in the opposite direction to electron flow.
Key Points: Electric Circuit
Key Points: Series Combination of Resistors
Key Points: Parallel Combination of Resistors
- In a parallel combination, the potential difference across each resistor is the same as that across the terminals of the battery.
- The total current in a parallel circuit is equal to the sum of the currents in the individual branches, and the equivalent resistance is less than the smallest resistance connected.
Concepts [15]
- Electricity
- Potential and Potential Difference
- Free Electrons
- Electric Current
- Ohm's Law
- Resistance and Resistivity of a Conductor
- Electric Circuit
- Symbols and Functions of Various Components of an Electric Circuits
- Electrical Conduction in Solids
- Experimental Verification of Ohm’s Law and Ohmic Resistors
- Resistance of a System of Resistors
- Resistors in Series
- Resistors in Parallel
- Domestic Electrical Connections
- Precautions to Be Taken While Using Electricity
