The different in the potential of two charged bodies is called potential difference (P.D.)
Take two bodies A and B having potentials of +5V and +3V respectively. Each coulomb of charge on a body A has an energy of 5 joules while each coulomb of charge on body B has an energy of 3 joules. Clearly, the body A is at the higher potential than body B.
If the two bodies are joined through a conductor , then electrons will flow from body B to body A . When these two bodies attain the same potential, the flow of current stops. Therefore we arrive at a very important conclusion that current will slow in a circuit is potential difference exists. No potential difference, no current flows.if may be noted that potential difference is sometimes called Voltage.
Units:- Since the unit of electric potential is Volt, one can expect that the unit of potential difference will also be volt. It is defined as:
Potential difference between two points is 1 Volt if one joule of work is done in transferring one columns of charge from the point of lower potential to the point of higher potential.
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