InspeticaOpen the daily feed

Everyday Science · 45 sec

Voltage

The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.

  1. The useful idea

    Voltage, also known as (electrical) potential difference, electric pressure, or electric tension, is the difference in electric potential between two points.

  2. How it works

    In a static electric field, it corresponds to the work needed per unit of charge to move a positive test charge from the first point to the second point.

  3. Why it matters

    In the International System of Units (SI), the derived unit for voltage is the volt (V).

Look for Voltage the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.

Look for Voltage the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.

Test your recall

Which idea belongs to the explanation of Voltage?

  • The useful idea — correct
  • How it works
  • Why it matters

Voltage, also known as (electrical) potential difference, electric pressure, or electric tension, is the difference in electric potential between two points.

EvergreenLast verified 2026-07-19

Sources