Electromotive Force (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Physics): Revision Note

Electromotive force

• Electromotive force (e.m.f.) is the name given to the potential difference of the power source in a circuit

• It is defined as:

The electrical work done by a source in moving a unit charge around a complete circuit

• Electromotive force (e.m.f.) is measured in volts (V)

Calculating electromotive force

Extended Tier Only

• The definition of e.m.f. can also be expressed using the equation:

$E=\frac{W}{Q}$

• Where:

  • $E$ = electromotive force (e.m.f.), measured in volts (V)

  • $W$ = energy transferred to the charges from the power source, measured in joules (J)

  • $Q$ = charge moved, measured in coulombs (C)

• This equation should be compared to the definition of potential difference as the two are closely related