Potentieelverschil

Potentieelverschil, also known as voltage, is a fundamental concept in electricity. It represents the difference in electric potential energy per unit charge between two points in an electric field. Imagine it like a difference in height for water in a pipe; the higher the difference, the more force is available to push the water. Similarly, a larger potential difference drives electric charge, or current, more forcefully.

This difference is typically measured in volts (V), named after the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. A potential difference is created by various sources, such as batteries, generators, or even static electricity. When a conductor connects two points with a potential difference, electrons are pushed from the point of lower potential to the point of higher potential, creating an electric current.

In simple terms, potential difference is the "push" that makes electric charges move. It's a crucial factor in determining how much current will flow through a circuit and how much power an electrical device can deliver. Without potential difference, electricity would not flow, and our modern electrical systems would not function. Understanding potential difference is key to comprehending basic electrical circuits and phenomena.