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Electricity

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6 Feb 2010 22:49:46 IST

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how charges flow from one point to another

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how charges flow from one point to another

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pradeep rout

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9 Feb 2010 12:18:51 IST

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Potential difference is the condition which governs the direction of flow of electricity from one point to another. We can compare it with the heat flow from a body at a higher temperature to lower temperature.When a hot body comes in contact with a cold body there is a heat exchange. This flow of heat continues till both the bodies are at the same temperature. The difference between the temperatures of the two bodies determines the direction of the heat flow.We can also compare the flow of electricity with the flow of water from a higher to a lower level. Consider the two vessels A and B connected by a pipe. The water from the vessel A flows to B till the water levels in both the vessels are equal.An external force is required to convert this irregular drift into a flow in one direction. A battery connected across the wire provides this force. This force causes the electron to flow in one direction and thus perform work. The work per unit charge in moving an electron once around the circuit is called the electromotive force (emf). A circuit is a closed path in which an electrical current flows. The emf creates an electrical pressure difference across . An electric current will then flow from the positive terminal to the battery of the negative terminal (higher potential to lower potential). Note that the free electrons flow in the direction opposite to the conventional current.For electrons to be driven through a resistance, there has to be a potential difference across its ends. Work is done by the electrical force due to this potential difference.

edison

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28 Sep 2010 17:29:37 IST

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It flows as a physical entity under the influence of electric field thus electric potential difference.

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