Potential Difference Definition

two battery terminals
Chris Aschenbrener / Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
Learn about our Editorial Process
Updated on March 21, 2019

Potential Difference Definition: Potential difference is the amount of work energy required to move an electric charge from one point to another.
The unit of potential difference is the volt.

Format
mla apa chicago
Your Citation
Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Potential Difference Definition." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-potential-difference-605549. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 27). Potential Difference Definition. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-potential-difference-605549 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Potential Difference Definition." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-potential-difference-605549 (accessed April 26, 2024).