Define the volt - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 1 - 2013

The volt (V) is defined as the unit of electric potential difference, or electric potential, between two points in an electrical circuit. Specifically, it represents the potential difference when 1 joule (J) of work is done to move a charge of 1 coulomb (C) from one point to another. Formally, this can be expressed as:

$V = \frac{W}{Q}$

where:

• $V$ is the potential difference in volts,
• $W$ is the work done in joules,
• $Q$ is the charge in coulombs.

Thus, if 1 J of work is required to move 1 C of charge, the potential difference between those two points is defined as 1 volt.