SI Units

Volt

Definition

The SI unit of electric potential difference (voltage), defined as one joule of energy per coulomb of charge (1 V = 1 J/C).

Explanation

Named after Alessandro Volta, inventor of the electrochemical battery. A standard AA battery provides 1.5 V; a household outlet delivers 120 V (US) or 230 V (Europe); a lightning bolt can reach 300 million volts. Voltage drives current through a circuit — doubling voltage doubles current if resistance stays constant (Ohm's law: V = IR).

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RELATED TERMS

Meter

The SI base unit of length, defined as the distance light travels in 1/299,792,458 of a second.

Kilogram

The SI base unit of mass, defined by the Planck constant.

Second

The SI base unit of time, defined by the cesium-133 atom.

Kelvin

The SI base unit of temperature, starting at absolute zero.

Ampere

The SI base unit of electric current.