Featured:
Allergies
Grilling Guide
eHow Now Blog

Volt Definition

The volt is the International Standard of Units (SI) derived unit for electromotive force. This unit of measure was named after Alessandro Volta, who invented the voltaic pile in 1800.

  1. Formal Definition

    • A volt is defined as the voltage that's produced when a current of one ampere dissipates one watt of power. This quantity is also equal to one joule of energy per coulomb of charge.

    Derivation

    • The volt is a derived SI unit, meaning that it's derived from SI base units. The volt may be expressed in base units as (meters squared x kilograms) / (seconds cubed x amperes). This expression may be abbreviated as m^2 x kg x s^-3 x A^-1.

    Alternate Derivations

    • The volt also may be expressed with a variety of other units. For example, a volt is also equal to one watt per ampere (W/A) and one joule per ampere per second (J/A/s).

    Practical Measurement

    • The volt may be measured in the laboratory by using a value based on the Josephson constant. This value was established as 4.835979 x 10^14 Hertz per volt (Hz/V) by the 18th General Conference on Weights and Measures in 1990.

    Water Flow Analogy

    • Voltage may be described by comparing the flow of electricity to the flow of water in a pipe. In this analogy, voltage is the pressure differential between the entrance and exit of the pipe.

Related Searches:

References

Comments

You May Also Like

  • What Is the Resistance of a Parallel Circuit?

    A parallel circuit divides into two or more paths before recombining to complete the circuit. In other words, electrons can flow down...

  • How to Make an LED Dimmer

    LEDs cannot be dimmed like light bulbs, by simply varying their input voltages. Instead, the current running through them must be directly...

  • Volt Amps Definition

    We use a variety of units to measure electrical power, among them watts (W), volts (V), and amperes or amps (A). While...

  • What Is an in Line Fuse Holder?

    An in-line fuse holder allows a fuse to be placed in-line with the power source to an electrical device. In-line fuses provide...

  • What Are the Units of Conductivity?

    The flow of electrons, known as electricity, is the makeup of electrical current. According to EUTech Instruments, conductivity is the ability of...

  • How to Calculate Milliamps

    Ohm's Law is the basic formula for electronics. With it, we may calculate Resistance (Ohms), Voltage (Volts) or Current (Amps) by knowing...

  • How to Convert Field Meter Milliwatts Per Volt

    Field meters, used in the analysis of electromagnetic fields, provide information on the strength of the electric and magnetic fields. The electric...

  • What Is a Volt Unit?

    Electric potential, or voltage, is measured in volts. A volt is a measure of how much "push" an electron will get from...

  • Define Volt Amps

    We use a variety of units to measure electrical power, among them watts (W), volts (V), and amperes or amps (A). While...

  • Definition of IC Voltage Regulator

    AC voltages are subject to spikes and dips from occurrences such as lightning. Power supplies that use them as input will also...

  • How to Calculate Inductive Reactance

    The total impedance, Z, of a circuit is comprised of its real and imaginary, or resistive and reactive components. The common equation...

  • How to Make a Potato Powered Light Bulb

    Making a potato powered light bulb is a fun way to better understand chemical reactions, and might even give you some relief...

  • The Definition of Electron Volt

    An electron volt, also called an electronvolt or eV, is a measure of energy. It is the amount of energy an electron...

  • Definition of an IEC Socket

    After meeting in St. Louis in 1904, the International Electrical Congress resolved to further international cooperation in setting electrical standards and as...

  • Definition of Electrical Safety

    Electrical safety involves using safe practices when working with or near electricity or electrical devices. This is important because electricity is dangerous....

  • How do I Compare & Contrast the Flow of Water in a Pipe & the Flow of Electrons in a Wire?

    Electrical circuits can certainly be difficult to visualize. However, they are roughly analogous to pipe circuits, which most people find easier to...

  • How to Measure a Capacitor With a DVM

    You caneasure the voltage of a capacitor to know whether the device is still charged. Capacitors store electrical energy for use by...

  • The Advantages & Disadvantages of AC and DC

    The Advantages & Disadvantages of AC and DC. Power that is delivered from storage devices, such as batteries, is delivered in the...

  • Definition of a Humidistat

    Maintaining a consistent humidity level can be very important in many industrial applications. The proper control of humidity in the home can...

Related Ads

thumbnail
Featured