Potential Difference (PD) Calculator
Use this calculator to determine the Potential Difference (Voltage) across a component, given its current and resistance, based on Ohm's Law.
Result:
Understanding Potential Difference (PD) and Ohm's Law
Potential Difference, often referred to as Voltage (V), is a fundamental concept in electricity. It represents the work done per unit charge to move a test charge between two points in an electric field. In simpler terms, it's the "push" or "force" that drives electric current through a circuit. The standard unit for potential difference is the Volt (V).
What is Ohm's Law?
Ohm's Law is a crucial principle in electrical engineering and physics, stating the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit. It was formulated by German physicist Georg Simon Ohm. The law can be expressed in three forms, but the most common one for calculating potential difference is:
V = I × R
- V stands for Potential Difference (Voltage), measured in Volts (V).
- I stands for Current, measured in Amperes (A). Current is the rate of flow of electric charge.
- R stands for Resistance, measured in Ohms (Ω). Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current.
This formula tells us that the voltage across a component is directly proportional to the current flowing through it and its resistance. If you increase the current or the resistance, the potential difference across the component will also increase.
How to Use the Potential Difference Calculator
Our Potential Difference Calculator simplifies the application of Ohm's Law. To use it:
- Enter Current (Amperes): Input the value of the electric current flowing through the component in Amperes.
- Enter Resistance (Ohms): Input the value of the component's resistance in Ohms.
- Click "Calculate Potential Difference": The calculator will instantly compute and display the potential difference (voltage) in Volts.
Practical Examples
Let's look at a couple of real-world examples to illustrate how potential difference is calculated:
Example 1: Simple Resistor Circuit
Imagine you have a circuit with a resistor that has a resistance of 10 Ohms (Ω), and a current of 2 Amperes (A) is flowing through it.
- Current (I) = 2 A
- Resistance (R) = 10 Ω
- Using the formula V = I × R:
- V = 2 A × 10 Ω = 20 Volts (V)
The potential difference across the resistor is 20 Volts.
Example 2: Higher Resistance Component
Consider another component with a resistance of 200 Ohms (Ω), and a smaller current of 0.5 Amperes (A) is passing through it.
- Current (I) = 0.5 A
- Resistance (R) = 200 Ω
- Using the formula V = I × R:
- V = 0.5 A × 200 Ω = 100 Volts (V)
In this case, despite the lower current, the higher resistance results in a significant potential difference of 100 Volts.
This calculator is a handy tool for students, hobbyists, and professionals working with basic electrical circuits, helping to quickly verify calculations based on Ohm's Law.