Question

Explain electric potential by taking the analogy to liquid flow.

Answer 1

1. Charges do not flow in a metallic wire their own as water does not flow in a horizontal pipe.
2. Water will flow if one end of the pipe is connected to a tank of water which is kept at a higher level.
3. So the difference in pressure between the ends of the pipe makes water flows out of the other end of the pipe.
4. Similarly for flow of electric charge in a conductor there should be a difference between the ends of the conductor called the potential difference which can be produced by a cell or a battery.
5. When the cell or a battery is connected to a conductor, the potential difference makes the charge to flow inside the conductor.