Difference Between Potential Difference and EMF

The basic difference between the Potential Difference and EMF is that EMF is the potential difference across the terminals of the battery when no current is drawn from the circuit while Potential Difference is valid when current is being passed through an appliance or a load. EMF gives an idea of the conversion of any form of energy whether chemical, mechanical, or anything else to electrical energy per unit of charge but potential difference gives an idea of work done by electrical energy per unit of charge.

Read More

EMF Formula

Electromotive Force often called EMF is the potential difference across the terminal of a cell or a battery when no current is being drawn from it. EMF is a misnomer i.e., it is actually a Potential Difference rather than a force but at the same time, EMF also differs from the Potential Difference in some manners. In this article, we will learn about EMF i.e., Electromotive Force, its formula and how does it differs from the potential difference in detail.

Similar Reads

EMF Definition

EMF i.e., Electromotive Force is defined as the potential difference across the terminal of a cell or a battery when no current is being drawn from it. We can also say that it is the maximum voltage across the terminals of the power source in an open circuit. Here, the EMF is a function of the internal resistance of the battery. EMF is the reason behind the flow of current in a circuit from the terminal of higher potential to the terminal of lower potential. The terminal of higher potential is positive and that of lower potential is the negative terminal....

EMF Equation

Electromotive Force is basically a potential difference hence physically it is also equal to the work done per unit charge. We know that work done is physically equal to Energy. Hence, Electromotive Force is equal to the Energy stored in the cell per unit of charge. Hence, Electromotive Force is given as...

Formula of Electromotive Force

The formula of EMF is given in two ways. If Energy and Charge are given then we calculate EMF by taking the ratio of Energy to the charge i.e., ε = E/Q....

Difference Between Potential Difference and EMF

The basic difference between the Potential Difference and EMF is that EMF is the potential difference across the terminals of the battery when no current is drawn from the circuit while Potential Difference is valid when current is being passed through an appliance or a load. EMF gives an idea of the conversion of any form of energy whether chemical, mechanical, or anything else to electrical energy per unit of charge but potential difference gives an idea of work done by electrical energy per unit of charge....

Sample Problems

Problem 1. Calculate the electromotive force of a circuit with energy and charge of 1200 J and 20 C respectively....

FAQs on EMF Formula

Q1: What is EMF?...