Definition:
"Potential difference" is a noun used in the field of electricity. It refers to the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit. This difference is measured in units called volts. You can think of it as the "push" that moves electric current through a circuit.
In more advanced discussions, "potential difference" can be related to concepts like voltage drops across components in a circuit, energy transfer, and electromotive force (EMF).
While "potential difference" primarily refers to electrical charge, in a broader context, "potential" can refer to possibilities or abilities (e.g., "She has great potential as a musician"), but this is a different usage from the electrical term.
There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that incorporate "potential difference," as it is a technical term primarily used in scientific discussions. However, you might encounter general phrases like "make a difference," meaning to have an impact.
"Potential difference" is an important concept in electricity, indicating the difference in electrical charge between two points and measured in volts. It's commonly used in technical discussions about circuits and electrical systems.