Difference Between EMF and Potential Difference

Difference Between EMF and Potential Difference

The main difference between EMF and potential difference is that EMF is the difference in potential between the two electrodes of a cell or battery whereas, the potential difference is the difference between any two sites in a closed circuit. Here, we have provided the difference between EMF and potential difference listed in the table below.

Key Difference Between EMF and Potential Difference

EMF	Potential Difference
The quantity of energy delivered to each coulomb of charge is known as the electromotive force.	One coulomb of charge expends a certain amount of energy, which is called the potential difference.
The unit of EMF is Volt.	The unit of potential difference is Volt.
It is independent of resistance.	It depends upon resistance between two points.
It is measured using an emf meter.	It is measured using a voltmeter.
The electric, gravitational, and magnetic fields are responsible for this.	The electric field is the sole source of potential difference.

What is EMF (E)?

The full form of EMF is electromotive force. The characteristic of any energy source capable of pushing electric charge around a circuit is called electromotive force or EMF, which is the force inside a voltage source that drives current around a circuit. The electromotive force or EMF is the amount of energy provided by a cell to the unit charge. It is denoted by E.

Regardless of the energy source, all of these devices produce potential differences across their terminals and may deliver current when resistance is attached to them. It is well understood that a potential difference produces an electric field, which causes charges to move and, in turn, current to flow. Thus, the potential difference generated when no current is flowing is known as EMF. 

What is the Potential Difference (V)?

When a coulomb flows from one point to another, the potential difference, or voltage, is simply an indication of how much potential energy is gained or lost per coulomb. It’s also known as the amount of work required to move potential energy per coulomb from one spot to another.

The energy released in the movement of a unit quantity of electricity from one place to the other is represented by the potential difference between two points in an electrical or electronic circuit. It is denoted by V.

The important thing to understand is that EMF is the driving force, whereas the potential difference is the outcome of EMF. Further, let us now check the difference between these two.

Further, let us see some other related articles.