Many have an incorrect understanding of voltage, not helped by popular press.
In the strictest sense voltage is about energy of position. If we place an electrical charge in an electric field, it will have a certain energy value. If we move that charge against or with that electric field, that value changes and so we have a difference between the two positions This is the idea of potential difference or more commonly known as voltage. This value is independent of the charge you are moving.
This video starts by employing a simple analogy of lifting a mass, and then elaborates on the concept of voltage.
In the strictest sense voltage is about energy of position. If we place an electrical charge in an electric field, it will have a certain energy value. If we move that charge against or with that electric field, that value changes and so we have a difference between the two positions This is the idea of potential difference or more commonly known as voltage. This value is independent of the charge you are moving.
This video starts by employing a simple analogy of lifting a mass, and then elaborates on the concept of voltage.
Interactive
Now let's return to the previous interactive from pHET
Now let's return to the previous interactive from pHET
- This time we will do the same as before (add a charge) but now also turn the Voltage check box on. The depth of shading informs of the magnitude of the voltage
- Use the 'voltmeter' see see the value of the voltage at any point.
- Click the pencil which will draw an equipotential lines. This represents the path that has the same voltage. This means that if you move the test charge along that line, there is NO CHANGE in voltage and hence no work is done. Work is only done if you move from one equipotential line, to another ie, there is a change in potential - a potential difference
The plasma ball
The plasma ball if a great 'toy', that relies on the concept of electrical charges, electric fields and voltage.
There are many videos that demonstrate some cool tricks you can perform with it, but not many discuss the physics principles behind it's working.
So this video can help consolidate your understanding of electrostatic behaviour.
There are many videos that demonstrate some cool tricks you can perform with it, but not many discuss the physics principles behind it's working.
So this video can help consolidate your understanding of electrostatic behaviour.
Own or have access to a plasma ball. I go through some great demos that cover physics concepts.
