Voltage, also known as electric pressure or electric tension, is the difference in electric potential between two points. It corresponds to the work needed per unit of charge to move a test charge between the two points.
Voltage Units Explained
- Volt (V): The SI derived unit of electric potential, electric potential difference, and electromotive force.
- Millivolt (mV): Equal to 1/1000th of a volt.
- Microvolt (μV): Equal to 1/1,000,000th of a volt. Used in sensitive electronics (like ECG signals).
- Kilovolt (kV): Equal to 1,000 volts. Used in power transmission lines.
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Fun Fact: You can generate over 10,000 volts just by walking across a carpet and touching a doorknob! The static shock hurts a little, but it’s safe because the current (amps) is incredibly tiny and the duration is short.