vtotal

Vtotal is a notation used in electrical engineering and related fields to denote the total voltage across a circuit or a portion of it. It represents the potential difference between two nodes, commonly the input or supply terminals, and serves as a convenient shorthand in equations and diagrams.

In series circuits, the voltages across individual components add to the total: Vtotal = V1 + V2 + ... + Vn. With the same current through all elements, Kirchhoff's voltage law ensures the sum of voltage drops equals the source voltage. In alternating current circuits, Vtotal can be represented as a phasor sum of component voltages; the instantaneous Vtotal equals the sum of instantaneous voltages.

In parallel circuits, the voltage across each branch is equal to the total: V1 = V2 = ... = Vtotal (assuming ideal elements). The total current from the source is the sum of branch currents.

In practice, Vtotal is often used to describe the overall voltage of a power source or battery pack, e.g., a string of cells in series determines the pack's Vtotal. Design and safety calculations frequently reference Vtotal to assess stress, insulation, and performance.

Measurement and sign conventions: Vtotal is measured with a voltmeter across the specified terminals; the sign depends on the chosen polarity.