Electric Potential Converter
Convert electric potential and voltage units — volts, millivolts, kilovolts, megavolts, and more. Free online voltage converter for electronics, power systems, and electrical engineering.
Understanding Electric Potential
Electric potential, commonly called voltage, represents the electric potential energy per unit charge. You measure voltage in volts (V), where one volt equals one joule of energy per coulomb of charge.
Voltage drives current through circuits. A potential difference between two points causes charges to flow from higher to lower potential, creating electric current.
Voltage Formulas and Ohm's Law
V = I × R
Ohm's Law: Voltage equals current multiplied by resistance. This fundamental equation applies to resistive DC circuits.
V = P / I
Power relationship: Voltage equals power divided by current. Use this to find voltage from power ratings.
V = W / Q
Definition: Voltage equals work done per unit charge. One volt equals one joule per coulomb.
Example: A resistor with 0.5 amperes flowing through 100 ohms develops V = 0.5 A × 100 Ω = 50 volts across it.
Common Voltage Conversions
| Volts (V) | Millivolts (mV) | Kilovolts (kV) | Megavolts (MV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.001 | 1 | 0.000001 | 1 × 10⁻⁹ |
| 0.01 | 10 | 0.00001 | 1 × 10⁻⁸ |
| 0.1 | 100 | 0.0001 | 1 × 10⁻⁷ |
| 1 | 1,000 | 0.001 | 1 × 10⁻⁶ |
| 1,000 | 1,000,000 | 1 | 0.001 |
| 1,000,000 | 1 × 10⁹ | 1,000 | 1 |
Practical Applications
Consumer Electronics
USB ports provide 5 volts DC. Laptop chargers output 19-20 volts. Smartphone batteries operate at 3.7-4.2 volts. Audio line-level signals range from 0.3 to 2 volts.
Household Power Systems
North American homes use 120/240 volt split-phase systems. European homes operate at 230 volts. Three-phase industrial power uses 400-480 volts between phases.
Power Transmission
High-voltage transmission lines operate at 115-765 kilovolts to minimize losses over long distances. Substations step down voltage to distribution levels of 4-35 kilovolts.
Automotive Systems
Standard vehicles use 12-volt electrical systems. Electric vehicles operate at 400-800 volts for their traction motors. Alternators charge at 13.5-14.5 volts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between voltage and current?
Voltage represents electrical pressure or potential difference. Current represents the actual flow of charge. Voltage causes current to flow through a conductor.
Why do power lines use high voltage?
Higher voltage reduces current for the same power level. Lower current means less resistive loss in transmission lines, improving efficiency over long distances.
What voltage levels are dangerous?
Voltages above 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC present shock hazards. Always de-energize circuits before working on them and use proper protective equipment.
How do you measure voltage?
Use a voltmeter or multimeter connected in parallel across the component or points you want to measure. Digital multimeters provide accurate readings for most applications.
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