Define voltage and mention its unit?

Simple Answer:

Voltage is the electrical force or pressure that pushes electric charges to move through a circuit. It is also known as electric potential difference between two points. Voltage is responsible for making current flow in an electrical circuit. Without voltage, electricity cannot move through wires or components.

The unit of voltage is volt (V), named after Alessandro Volta, the scientist who developed the first battery. A volt is defined as the amount of electric potential needed to move one unit of charge with one joule of energy.

Detailed Explanation:

Voltage is a fundamental concept in electrical engineering and plays a key role in how electricity works.

What is Voltage?

  • Voltage is the difference in electric potential between two points in a circuit.
  • It creates the force that moves electric charges, similar to how pressure moves water through a pipe.
  • Voltage is measured in volts (V) and represented by the symbol V.
  • It is also called electromotive force (EMF) when referring to sources like batteries.

How Voltage Works in a Circuit:

  • In a simple circuit, a battery or power source provides voltage to push current through the circuit.
  • If there is no voltage, electrons will not flow, and the circuit will not work.
  • Voltage can be direct (DC voltage) or alternating (AC voltage) depending on the type of power source.

Unit of Voltage – Volt (V):

  • The unit of voltage is volt (V).
  • One volt is defined as the potential difference when one joule of energy is used to move one coulomb of charge.
  • Example: A 1.5V battery means it can push electric charges with a force of 1.5 volts.

Example of Voltage in Daily Life:

  1. Household Electricity – The voltage in most homes is 230V or 120V, depending on the country.
  2. Batteries – A small AA battery has 1.5V, while a car battery has 12V.
  3. Mobile Chargers – A phone charger typically provides 5V to charge a device.
Conclusion:

Voltage is the electric potential difference that pushes current through a circuit. It is measured in volts (V) and is essential for all electrical devices to function. Understanding voltage helps in designing and troubleshooting electrical systems.