Voltaj

Voltaj, also known as voltage, is the electrical potential difference between two points in an electric circuit. It represents the energy required to move a unit of electric charge between those points and is the driving force behind electric current. Voltage is measured in volts (V). The volt is named after Italian physicist Alessandro Volta, whose work laid the foundations for electric science.

Voltage can be direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). In DC circuits the voltage is essentially constant over time; in AC circuits it varies periodically. Practical values are often described using peak voltage, peak-to-peak voltage, or root-mean-square (RMS) voltage, with RMS providing the equivalent steady voltage that would deliver the same power to a resistive load.

Ohm's law relates voltage to current and resistance: V = IR, where I is current in amperes and R is resistance in ohms. This relationship is fundamental for circuit design and analysis.

Common voltages include domestic supply levels, which vary by country. In many parts of the world residential electricity is around 230 V at 50 Hz, while in parts of North America it is around 120 V at 60 Hz. Devices are designed for specific voltage ranges, and operation outside those ranges can damage equipment or pose safety risks.

Voltage is typically measured with a voltmeter or multimeter connected across two points. In power systems, voltage regulation, insulation, and safety standards help ensure reliable operation and protect people and equipment from electric shock.