potential difference in a series circuit

• Potential difference


  Also called voltage, it tells us that one Joule of energy is transferred for each Coulomb of charge moving through the circuit
• Measuring potential difference


  1. Use a voltmeter

  2. Connect voltmeter across the component/cell to measure the potential difference
• Potential difference across a cell

  Tells us the total energy transfer in the circuit
• Lamps in series circuit

  Potential difference across each lamp is less than the potential difference across the cell, as the energy is shared between the lamps
• Lamps in series circuit

  • Lamps are dimmer than a single lamp in a circuit
  • Potential difference across each lamp depends on the lamp's resistance
• The total potential difference across series lamps is equal to the potential difference across the cell
• You will find plenty of questions on potential difference in series circuits in the revision workbook