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Difference Beteen EMF and Potential Difference

EMF and potential difference are both measured in volts but refer to different concepts. EMF is the driving force within a voltage source that causes current to flow through a circuit. Potential difference refers to the voltage measured between two points in a circuit, which may differ from the EMF due to resistance and the current load. While EMF remains constant, potential difference can vary depending on circuit conditions and resistance between measurement points.

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210 views

Difference Beteen EMF and Potential Difference

EMF and potential difference are both measured in volts but refer to different concepts. EMF is the driving force within a voltage source that causes current to flow through a circuit. Potential difference refers to the voltage measured between two points in a circuit, which may differ from the EMF due to resistance and the current load. While EMF remains constant, potential difference can vary depending on circuit conditions and resistance between measurement points.

Uploaded by

David
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Electromotive Force EMF & Potential Difference

Electromotive force, EMF and potential difference are both terms associated with electric
potential and both measured in volts, but they have major differences in what they are

There can be a lot of confusion between electromotive force, EMF and the voltage or potential difference,
PD, at a point in an electrical or electronic circuit.

Both EMF and potential difference are measured in volts, but the two parameters are very different in what
they are. These differences can be important in some aspects of electrical and electronic circuit design

It helps to have an understanding about what they are so that confusion can be reduced and the correct
terms and terminology used where it is needed.

What is electromotive force, EMF


It helps to define what the electromotive force is before looking further.

Electromotive force definition:


Electromotive force is defined as the characteristic of any energy source capable of driving electric charge
around a circuit - it is the force within a voltage source that drives the current around a circuit. It is
abbreviated E in the international metric system but the abbreviation EMF is also widely used.

From this it can be seen that the EMF is the voltage within a source that provides the driving force to push
the current around the circuit. The electromotive force is the basic electrical force that actually drives the
current around the circuit.

What is potential difference


The potential difference at any point in an electrical or electronic circuit is the voltage at any given point with
respect to another point int he circuit.

It is possible to have a more rigorous definition of the potential difference, and although many definitions of
potential difference exist, the one below can give a good idea.

Potential difference definition:


The potential difference between two points in an electrical or electronic circuit represents the work involved
or the energy released in the transfer of a unit quantity of electricity from one point to the other.

Effectively, the potential difference is the difference in the electric potential between two points. Energy is
released when a charge is moved from a point of higher potential to a point of lower potential. Often this is in
the form of heat. Take the example of a current flowing through a resistor where some heat is released as
the current flows from the point of a higher potential to a point of lower potential.

This means that the potential is the voltage at a given point in a circuit, not the source of the force to move it
around the circuit.
The key point to remember is that EMF is the cause, i.e. it is the driving force, whereas potential difference is
the result of the EMF

Example of EMF and PD


To explain the difference between EMF and PD, take the example of a simple battery used to power a circuit.
Normally on the outer package of the battery itself the voltage will be stated: often 1.5 volts for single cell
alkaline cells and the like. However, it is found that when the battery is in use its voltage will fall, especially
when larger loads are applied and as it becomes older and it has been used. Even when the cell or battery is
new, some voltage drop will be seen when it supplies current. The reason for this is that there is some
resistance inside the cell.

From this it is possible to define the EMF as the the driving potential within any electrical or electronic source
regardless of any internal resistance. It is effectively the voltage seen on the output of the source, i.e. battery,
etc when it is measured with a very high impedance and no load. It is the internal voltage of the cell.

The potential difference at any point is the actual potential see at any given point in a circuit. It is not
dependent upon there being no load. In fact the EMF or a source and the potential difference are the same
when no load is applied to the source. As a load is applied the potential difference will fall, but the EMF
remains the same.

Summary of the similarities & differences between EMF & PD


It is worth tabulating the main differences between electromotive force and potential difference as this
highlights the similarities and differences.
SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES OF EMF AND POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE
 
ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE (EMF) POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE (PD)

EMF is the driving electric force from a cell or Potential difference results from the current passing
generator. through a resistance within a circuit.

EMF is the cause. Potential difference is the effect.


The EMF is also present even when no current is Potential difference across the conductor is zero in the
drawn through the battery. absence of current.
The unit of EMF is the volt. The unit of potential difference is the volt.

Potential difference does not remain constant - it depends


EMF remains constant.
upon the circuit conditions.
Its symbol is E. Its symbol is V.
It depends on the resistance between two points of
It does not depend on circuit resistance.
measurement.

EMF and potential difference have many similarities, but they also have some significant differences.
Essentially the EMF is the driving force in a circuit, whereas the potential difference is the result of the EMF
within a circuit to which the source is connected.

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