What does voltage (joule/coulomb) represent?

Voltage, represented as joules per coulomb, signifies the electromotive force or the difference in potential between two points in an electrical circuit. This concept is fundamental in understanding how electrical energy is transferred within systems. Voltage essentially measures the energy per unit charge available to move electrons through a conductor or across a circuit.

In practical terms, when there is a difference in voltage between two points, it creates a potential for current to flow, demonstrating that voltage is a vital component influencing electric current behavior. This understanding is crucial in the context of cathodic protection systems, where voltage measurements help evaluate the effectiveness of corrosion mitigation strategies.

By recognizing voltage as the difference in potential, one can appreciate its role in electrical systems and relate it to other concepts such as current and resistance, helping build a comprehensive knowledge base for anyone involved in cathodic protection and related fields.