What unit is used to measure potential difference?

The unit used to measure potential difference is the Volt. Potential difference, also known as voltage, refers to the difference in electric potential energy per unit charge between two points in an electrical circuit. The Volt is defined as the amount of energy in joules per coulomb of charge. This indicates that if a potential difference of one Volt exists between two points, one joule of energy is used when moving one coulomb of electric charge from one point to another.

Understanding potential difference is crucial in electrical engineering and applications, as it directly influences the flow of current through a circuit. In practical terms, higher voltage levels can drive more current through a circuit, assuming resistance remains constant, as expressed by Ohm's Law (V = I * R). Thus, the Volt is the fundamental unit that helps quantify this key electrical property.