Potential Difference — GCSE Physics Revision
Revise Potential Difference for GCSE Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Ohm's LawWhat is Potential Difference?
Potential difference (also known as voltage) is the work done per unit of charge that passes between two points in a circuit. It is the 'push' that makes the electric charge move. Potential difference is measured in Volts (V), and a larger potential difference results in a larger current for a given resistance.
Board notes: A fundamental concept for all GCSE Physics boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR).
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
If 100J of work is done when 20C of charge moves between two points, what is the potential difference? Solution: Potential Difference = Work Done / Charge. V = 100J / 20C = 5V.
Mini lesson for Potential Difference
1. Understand the core idea
Potential difference (also known as voltage) is the work done per unit of charge that passes between two points in a circuit. It is the 'push' that makes the electric charge move.
Can you explain Potential Difference without copying the notes?
2. Turn it into marks
If 100J of work is done when 20C of charge moves between two points, what is the potential difference? Solution: Potential Difference = Work Done / Charge.
Underline the method, evidence, or command-word move that would earn credit in GCSE Electricity.
3. Fix the likely mark leak
Watch for this mistake: Thinking that potential difference 'flows' through a circuit. It is a difference between two points, not a flow of something.
Write one correction rule before doing another practice question.
Practise this topic
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Potential Difference practice questions
These are original StudyVector questions for revision practice. They are not official exam-board questions.
Question 1
In one GCSE sentence, explain what Potential Difference is testing.
Answer: Potential difference (also known as voltage) is the work done per unit of charge that passes between two points in a circuit. It is the 'push' that makes the electric charge move.
Mark focus: Precise definition and topic focus.
Question 2
A Potential Difference question uses an unfamiliar context. What should the answer do before adding detail?
Answer: It should name the process, variable, equation, particle model, or evidence being tested, then explain the result using precise scientific vocabulary.
Mark focus: Method selection and command-word control.
Question 3
A student makes this mistake: "Thinking that potential difference 'flows' through a circuit. It is a difference between two points, not a flow of something." What should their next repair task be?
Answer: Do one Potential Difference question and review the mistake type.
Mark focus: Error correction and next-step practice.
Potential Difference flashcards
Core idea
What is the main idea in Potential Difference?
Potential difference (also known as voltage) is the work done per unit of charge that passes between two points in a circuit. It is the 'push' that makes the electric charge move.
Common mistake
What mistake should you avoid in Potential Difference?
Thinking that potential difference 'flows' through a circuit. It is a difference between two points, not a flow of something.
Practice
What is one useful practice task for Potential Difference?
Answer one Potential Difference question and review the mistake type.
Exam board
How should you use board notes for Potential Difference?
A fundamental concept for all GCSE Physics boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR).
Common mistakes
- 1Thinking that potential difference 'flows' through a circuit. It is a difference between two points, not a flow of something.
- 2Confusing potential difference with electromotive force (e.m.f.). While both are measured in Volts, e.m.f. refers to the energy supplied by a source (like a battery), whereas potential difference refers to the energy used by a component.
- 3Incorrectly using a voltmeter. A voltmeter must be connected in parallel across the component you are measuring the potential difference of.
Potential Difference exam questions
Exam-style questions for Potential Difference with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Potential Difference
Core concept
Potential difference (also known as voltage) is the work done per unit of charge that passes between two points in a circuit. It is the 'push' that makes the electric charge move. Potential difference…
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between voltage and potential difference?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Potential difference is the more formal term for the work done per unit charge between two points.
How do you measure potential difference?
Potential difference is measured using a voltmeter, which is always connected in parallel with the component being measured.