potential difference

n. Symbol V

The difference in electric potential between two points, especially two points in an electric circuit.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

potential difference

(General Physics) the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric field; the work that has to be done in transferring unit positive charge from one point to the other, measured in volts. Symbol: U, ΔV or Δφ Abbreviation: pd Compare electromotive force

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

poten′tial dif′ference

the difference in electric potential between two points.

[1895–1900]

potential difference

The energy difference that tends to make an electric charge or current move. It is measured in volts.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun

potential difference - the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit expressed in volts

electric potential, potential drop, voltage, potential

electrical phenomenon - a physical phenomenon involving electricity

evoked potential - the electrical response of the central nervous system produced by an external stimulus; "he measured evoked potentials with an electroencephalogram"

resting potential - the potential difference between the two sides of the membrane of a nerve cell when the cell is not conducting an impulse

Translations

potential difference

n (Phys, Elec) → potenzieller or potentieller Unterschied

Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

potential difference

n (Math, Phys) → differenza di potenziale

Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995

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References in periodicals archive

Electrons resulting from the beta decay of radium caused a potential difference between the silver film and the central electrode.

Prototype Nuclear Battery Packs 10 Times More Power

In the simplest of terms, work is done (energy generated) by a charge when it moves between two points across which a potential difference exists.

INSIDE BATTERIES

The electrodes in layers separating surfaces and outer surfaces indicate the potential difference

CALCULATION OF CYLINDRICAL MULTILAYER ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCER AT DIFFERENT POLARIZATION TYPES IN NON-STATIONARY MODES

Suppose the supercurrent flows in the junction at vanishing potential difference U [left arrow] 0; then the interaction energy gradient can produce rippling in the geometric field according to

Gravitation at the Josephson Junction

The potential differences are obtained on a previously defined measuring grid.

Detection of Reinforcement Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete Structures by Potential Mapping: Theory and Practice

The electrode potentials at 25[degrees]C for the anode, [[phi].sub.A], and cathode, [[phi].sub.C], together with the fuel cell potential difference, [DELTA][[phi].sub.CELL], [30] are also shown above with their respective stoichiometric reactions.

An Investigation of Direct Hydrocarbon (Propane) Fuel Cell Performance Using Mathematical Modeling

From Figure 4, we find that only the electric field produced by the positive potential difference between the ground and cells could drive the metal ions, such as sodium ions driven into the PN junction which has existing stacking faults.

Investigation on Potential-Induced Degradation in a 50MWp Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Power Plant

To further define the threshold connected factors of OFDI reverse spillover, the study introduces the technology potential difference of OFDI in home country and target country, based on the division of capital defined by Coe, D.

An empirical study on spatial heterogeneity of manufacturing OFDI reverse technology spillover and dynamic threshold of absorption capacity

The Model: DCD is capable of reducing the potential difference across isolating flange assemblies and/ or monolithic isolating joints to well below the industry accepted criteria, (i.e., <10 volts AC rms).

Interprovincial Corrosion Control Co. Ltd