[Main] Difference Between Voltage and EMF Explained

The main difference between voltage and EMF is that voltage is the potential difference between the two ends of a conductor but EMF is a force that causes the flow of electrons. Many differences between EMF and Voltage can be written but you should know the actual difference between voltage and EMF. In this article, we have tried to explain the actual difference. Here you also find many key differences between EMF and Voltage.

Actual Difference between Voltage and EMF

First of all, let's know what is current? In simple words, the flow of electrons through a conductor is called electrical current. Now the question is when electrons flow through a conductor? There are two reasons for the flow of electrons, one is when we create a potential difference between two ends of a conductor then the electrons start flowing from the higher potential to the lower potential. Another reason is if we give push or force to the electrons they will start flow through the conductor.

So the first reason for flowing current which is the potential difference between two ends of a conductor is called Voltage.

The second reason for the flowing current is the electromotive force called EMF.

Understanding the Difference Between EMF and Voltage with an Example

To better understand the difference we have taken the example of water flow. Here the water represents the current and the pipe represents as a conductor.

In the above figure, you can see, that there is no force arrangement that can force the water to flow from A to B. Both A and B are at the same height so the water flow is not possible.

In the above figure, you can see A and B are at different heights. So there is no force required to flow water from A to B. Water automatically flows from A to B because they are at different heights. So, in this case, we can think of the height difference as the potential difference between two ends of conductors. However, that exact same concept is not applied to electrical circuits and currents. This explanation is only to understand the difference between emf and voltage.

In the above figure, both A and B are at the same height. So naturally, water flow is not possible. But a pump is placed between A and B which force the water to flow from A to B. Here the pump acts as EMF.

Voltage VS EMF

Voltage	EMF(Electromotive Force)
Voltage is the potential difference between the two ends of a conductor for which current flows through that conductor.	EMF is the electromotive force that pushes the electrons to flow through a conductor.
The voltage or potential difference can be measured between any two points of a circuit.	EMF always measures between the two terminals of the source.
Voltage may be the effect of electromagnetic force.	When EMF is applied to an electrical circuit, it creates a potential difference.
The unit of voltage is volt.	The unit of EMF is also a volt
Actually, there is no source of Voltage, it is just a potential difference that may be created in any place in a circuit.	The sources of EMFs are Dynamos, Batteries, alternators, etc.

Read Also:

• How EMF is induced? Types of induced EMF.
• Electromagnet VS Electromagnetic Induction
• Mutual Inductance can't occur without Self Inductance | Difference
• Resistance and Reluctance Difference, Properties, Unit
• What is Choke Coil? Types, Application, Properties, Diagram
• Difference between ElectroMagnetic Coil and Heating Coil

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