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Electromotive Force (EMF)

Definition

EMF is the potential difference or voltage produced by a source such as a battery or generator. It represents the energy per unit charge that is supplied by the source to move charges around a circuit.

Analogy

Think of EMF like a water pump that pushes water through pipes. The pump provides the energy needed to move the water, just like an EMF source provides the energy needed to move charges in a circuit.

Related terms

Voltmeter: A voltmeter is an instrument used to measure the potential difference or voltage across two points in a circuit. It measures how much electrical energy is being transferred between those points.

Ammeter: An ammeter is an instrument used to measure the electric current flowing through a circuit. It tells us how many charges are passing through it per unit time.

Electric Potential Energy: Electric potential energy refers to the stored energy of charged particles due to their position relative to other charged particles or objects.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.