Potential Difference - Unit & Dimensions

Description:

We know that Potential difference is the amount of work done (W) to move a unit charge(q) from one point to another in an electric field.

W/q = V_A - V_B

If the work done to move charge ‘q’ from B to A = W

Then, work done on a unit charge = W/q = potential difference (V_A - V_B)

Unit of potential difference

Potential difference (V) = Workdone (W)/Charge (q).....(1)

So, unit of Potential difference = joule/Coulomb = Volt

When one joule of work is done per electric charge of one coulomb, gives one volt.

From (1) work done = Charge * potential difference.

⇒ Joule = Coulomb * volt

Dimension of potential difference

So dimension of potential difference |V| = dimension of |W|/dimension of |q|

Since, Work done = Force * displacement

|W| = ML²T^-2

Electric Charge = ampere * time

|q| = AT

So, |V| = ML²T^-3A^-1