What is the formula for calculating potential difference?

The formula for calculating potential difference is: Potential Difference (V) = Current (I) × Resistance (R).

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is a measure of the work needed to move a charge between two points in an electric circuit. It is measured in volts (V). The formula V = I × R is derived from Ohm's Law, which states that the current (I) flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the potential difference (V) across the two points, and inversely proportional to the resistance (R) of the conductor.

In this formula:
- V represents the potential difference in volts (V).
- I represents the current in amperes (A).
- R represents the resistance in ohms (Ω).

To use this formula, you need to know two of the three variables (current, resistance, and potential difference). For example, if you know the current flowing through a resistor and the resistance of the resistor, you can calculate the potential difference across it.

Let's say you have a circuit with a current of 2 amperes flowing through a resistor with a resistance of 5 ohms. Using the formula, you can calculate the potential difference as follows:
\[ V = I \times R \]
\[ V = 2 \, \text{A} \times 5 \, \Omega \]
\[ V = 10 \, \text{V} \]

This means the potential difference across the resistor is 10 volts. Understanding this relationship is crucial for analysing and designing electrical circuits, as it helps you determine how much voltage is required to achieve a desired current flow through a given resistance.