Instrument: Voltmeter
How to connect: In PARALLEL — across the component you're measuring.
Why parallel? Voltage is the energy difference between two points. The voltmeter compares the energy level of charges entering and leaving a component — it must touch both sides simultaneously.
Circuit symbol: Circle with V inside
This deep dive covers Measuring Potential Difference within Potential Difference for GCSE Physics. Revise Potential Difference in Electricity for GCSE Physics with 14 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 3 of 14 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Potential Difference
Which of the following is the correct definition of potential difference?
Explain what is meant by a potential difference of 6 V across a component.