Across a resistor (Resistor R):

Across a capacitor (Capacitor C):

Across an inductor (Inductor L):

Where V=voltage, I=current, R=resistance, X=reactance.

[

Measuring instruments

Instruments for measuring potential differences include the voltmeter, the potentiometer (measurement device), and the oscilloscope. The voltmeter works by measuring the current through a fixed resistor, which, according to Ohm's Law, is proportional to the potential difference across the resistor. The potentiometer works by balancing the unknown voltage against a known voltage in a bridge circuit. The cathode-ray oscilloscope works by amplifying the potential difference and using it to deflect an electron beam from a straight path, so that the deflection of the beam is proportional to the potential difference.

[

Safety

Electrical safety is discussed in the articles on High voltage (note that even low voltage, e. g. of 50 Volts, can lead to a lethal electric shock) and Electric shock.

[

See also

• Alternating current (AC)
• Direct current (DC)
• Mains electricity (an article about domestic power supply voltages)
• Mains power systems (List of voltage by country)
• Ohm's law
• Voltage drop

[

References

1. ^ "voltage", A Dictionary of Physics. Ed. John Daintith. Oxford University Press, 2000. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press.

[

External links

• Elementary explanation of voltage at NDT Resource Center

BCUZ.com FACTS Encyclopedia content is licensed under the GFDL as approved by Wikipedia.
For more information review our copyright contact and privacy policy. © 1996 - BCUZ.COM - We have all the FACTS you need about Small Business Financing, Behavior Disorder, Having Too Many Bills, Needing Cash Fast, Structured Settlements, Frequent Flier Programs, Top Steak Houses, The Mayan Indians, Norfolk and Suffolk England, Growing Longer Hair and a full reference English Encyclopedia and Spanish Encyclopedia.Privacy Policy