IGCSE 0625 / Section 4.2.3 / Core

Energy per charge.

A battery does not store current, it stores a push: a fixed amount of energy handed to every unit of charge that passes through. Track that energy as it is given out and used up, and the ideas of e.m.f. and potential difference fall into place.

The key idea

The electromotive force of a source is the electrical energy given to each unit of charge by the source. The potential difference across a component is the energy transferred from each unit of charge in it. Both are measured in volts by a voltmeter connected in parallel.

Definition · learn the exact words

The electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a source is the energy given to each unit of charge by the source. The potential difference (p.d.) across a component is the energy transferred from each unit of charge in it.

1 volt = 1 joule per coulomb

A voltmeter is connected in parallel, across the component.

Section 01

Measure the push.

Connect a voltmeter across the source and across components to compare the energy per charge.

Stage 1 · Learn

Check emf and pd

Four quick checks. Each correct answer earns XP and lights this skill on your star map.

Quick check+10 XP

A voltmeter is connected...

Quick check+10 XP

The unit of e.m.f. and potential difference is the...

Quick check+10 XP

One volt is equal to one...

Quick check+10 XP

The e.m.f. of a cell is the energy given to each...

Section 02

Given out, then used up.

The source gives energy to each charge as e.m.f.; components take energy from each charge as p.d.

Examiner trap

A voltmeter is connected in parallel, across the component, not in series. The volt is a joule per coulomb, the energy carried by each unit of charge.

Stage 2 · Exam

Exam-style questions

Unlocks once the four checks above are done. Worth more XP, written in the style of Paper 2.

Finish the four checks above to unlock the exam questions
Exam style+20 XP

To measure the potential difference across a lamp, a voltmeter is connected...

Exam style+20 XP

A charge of 2.0 C passes through a lamp and transfers 12 J of energy. The p.d. across the lamp is...

Exam style+20 XP

The difference between e.m.f. and p.d. is that e.m.f. is energy...

Skill unlocked

Emf and pd, mastered.

EMF and potential difference are mapped. Keep the chain going.

-Rank -Level -Score -Topics
Go deeper · practice
Six original Cambridge-style questions
EMF and p.d. as energy per unit charge, the volt as a joule per coulomb, and the voltmeter in parallel. Attempt each, then reveal the worked solution.
Stage 3 · master the unit
Electricity and magnetism challenge
Mixed questions across the whole unit, each one worth XP. Start this only when you feel confident across every topic in the unit, not just emf and pd.
Start the unit challenge →