University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 23 - Electric Potential - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 776: Q23.4

Answer

The voltmeter displays the potential difference.

Work Step by Step

The potential difference that the voltmeter displays is independent of the choice of reference level. This would be similar to an instrument that measures the height difference between any 2 points on Earth’s surface. The answer is the same, regardless of what height we choose to have the value y = 0.
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