FAN AND MEDAL
Which statement or statements below provide a correct practical definition of a voltage source?
A. A voltage source creates an electric potential difference between two points in a circuit, such as the two ends of a battery.
B. A voltage source provides the electrical potential energy needed for a circuit to operate.
C. A voltage source is analogous to the pump in a system of circulating water.
D. All of the above

Question

FAN AND MEDAL
Which statement or statements below provide a correct practical definition of a voltage source?
A. A voltage source creates an electric potential difference between two points in a circuit, such as the two ends of a battery.
B. A voltage source provides the electrical potential energy needed for a circuit to operate.
C. A voltage source is analogous to the pump in a system of circulating water.
D. All of the above

anonymous · Answer

All of the above.

A and B are saying the same thing. Electric potential difference and electric potential energy difference are the same thing.

C describes a common way to think about circuits. A battery is a "pump," current is the water, and resistance is a change in the size of the pipe the water is flowing through. This gets a little hairy later on, though.