Question

Potential difference between two points is equal to
(A) Electric charge $ / $ time
(B) Work done $ / $ time
(C) Work done $ / $ charge
(D) Work done $ \times $ charge

Answer 1

Hint: Electric potential difference is the difference in electrical potentials between two points. It is the work done in moving a unit charge between two given points. The SI unit of the electrical potential difference is Voltage $ (V) $ .

Complete step by step solution
The potential difference between two points is defined as the work done in moving a unit charge from the first point to the other. Thus, the potential difference $ \left( V \right) $ can be written as-
 $ V = \dfrac{W}{q} $
where $ q $ is a charge and $ W $ is the work done in moving this charge.
Thus, the potential difference between the two points is equal to, Work done $ / $ charge.
Hence option (C) is the correct answer.

Additional information
The unit of potential difference is Volts $ \left( V \right) $ . It can also be written in terms of Joules per Coulomb as- $ 1V = \dfrac{{1J}}{{1C}} $
Another method to calculate the potential difference is by using Ohm’s law.
If the value of current passing through a conductor between these two points and the resistance of the wire is known, the potential difference is given by the product of electric current and the resistance as-
 $ V = IR $
where $ I $ is the electric current and $ R $ is the resistance of the wire.

Note The terms electric potential energy, electric potential, and potential difference must not be confused with each other. Potential energy is the energy at a point due to all the charges present around it. Electric potential is the energy required to bring a unit positive charge from infinity to a given point. The potential difference is the work done in moving a unit charge between two given points.