In the theory of gravitation, or of other forces acting in space, a function of the rectangular coordinates which determine the position of a point, such that its differential coefficients with respect to the coördinates are equal to the components of the force at the point considered; -- also called potential function, or force function. It is called also Newtonian potential when the force is directed to a fixed center and is inversely as the square of the distance from the center.
The energy of an electrical charge measured by its power to do work; hence, the degree of electrification as referred to some standard, as that of the earth; electro-motive force.
1. A function of space, the gradient of which is equal to a force. In symbols, F = -f[&phgr;], where F is the force, the del operator, and f[&phgr;] the potential. A force that may be so expressed is said to be "conservative," and the work done against it in motion from one given equipotential surface to another is independent of the path of the motion. In meteorology, the force of gravity has a potential, the geopotential, which, if the acceleration of gravity g is taken as constant, may be written f[&phgr;] = gZ, where Z is the height coordinate. The pressure force has in general no potential, nor do the Coriolis or viscous forces. By extension and analogy, the velocity potential, acceleration potential, and Gibbs function (thermodynamic potential) are defined. 2. Applied to the value that an atmospheric thermodynamic variable would attain if processed adiabatically from its initial pressure to a standard pressure, typically 100 kPa. See potential density, potential temperature.
The force required to move electrons through a conducting medium; determines the quantity of electrons or current flowing through a specific conductor or device. Also known as voltage (V) or electromotive force (emf).
A measure of the driving force behind an electrochemical reaction that is reported in units of volts.
This is the difference in voltage between two points. One of the points is often a ground, with voltage equal to 0.
The pressure or voltage forcing electrical current through a circuit.
(1) Voltage level with respect to a reference level. (2) emf. electromotive force. (3) Potential drop = IR drop. See IR drop and Ohm's law.
Measured in millivolts, volts, or kilovolts; stored energy.
the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit expressed in volts
Electric pressure (measured in volts).
the voltage recorded by an electrode.
The difference in voltage between two points of an electrical circuit.
the electric potential or voltage of an electrochemical system. For electrochemical cells that contain an anode and a cathode, the potential difference between the cathode electrode potential and the anode electrode potential is the potential of the electrochemical cell.
The electromotive force, usually measured in Volts.
One of the two fundamental quantities used to simulate the behavior of a system. In electrical systems, potential is voltage.
Any of various functions from which intensity or velocity at any point in a field may be calculated. The driving influence of an electrochemical reaction. See also active potential, chemical potential, corrosion potential, critical pitting potential, decomposition potential, electrochemical potential, electrode potential, electrokinetic potential, equilibrium (reversible) potential, free corrosion potential, noble potential, open-circuit potential, protective potential, redox potential, and standard electrode potential.
The electrical pressure causes charge carriers to move through a substance or circuit.
The difference in electrical potential between two points in an electric circuit; measured in volts and expressed as the voltage (V). The relationship between power, current and voltage is expressed in the Power Equation, P=IV. The relationship betwee voltage, current, and resistance is expressed in Ohm's Law, V=IR.
the amount of electrification of a point with reference to some standard.
The ability to deliver power or force, i.e., the difference in voltage between two points in a circuit.