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potential difference JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/pɒtɛnʃəl dɪˈfɛrəns/ · po.ten.shal dif.er.ence
noun
  1. The difference in potential energy between two points in an electric field. The potential difference between the two terminals of a battery is 9 volts.
noun
  1. The difference in charge between two points in an electrical circuit. The potential difference across a resistor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it.
noun
  1. Voltage. The potential difference between the two wires of a power line is 120 volts.
Did you know? The concept of potential difference was first described by Michael Faraday in his 1834 lectures on electricity, and it has since become a fundamental principle in the study of electromagnetism.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 15, 2026