Related Words

Potential Difference: Work that must be done to move an electric charge between specified points. Electric potential differences are measured in volts.

Geopotential Anomaly: The excess in geopotential difference over the standard geopotential difference [at a standard specific volume at 35 parts per thousand (‰) and 0 degrees C] between isobaric surfaces. See ge . . . View Full Definition

Geopotential: The unit of geopotential difference, equal to the gravity potential of 1 meter squared per second squared, m2 / s2, or 1 joule per kilogram, J / kg.

Geopotential Topography: The topography of an equiscalar (usually isobaric) surface in terms of geopotential difference. As depicted on maps, isopleths are formed by the intersection of the isobaric surface with a s . . . View Full Definition

Saffir-Simpson Damage-Potential Scale: Developed in the early 1970s by Herbert Saffir, a consulting engineer, and Robert Simpson, then Director of the National Hurricane Center, it is a measure of hurricane intensity on a scale o . . . View Full Definition

Action Potential: A reversal of the electrical potential in the plasma membrane of a neuron that occurs when a nerve cell is stimulated; caused by rapid changes in membrane permeability to sodium and potassium.

Redox-Potential Discontinuity: That depth below the sediment-water interface marking the transition from chemically oxidative to reducing processes

Standard Reduction Potential: The voltage associated with a reduction process at standard state. The reduction potential of 2H+(aq, 1M) + 2 e- rightarrow H2(g, 1 atm) is taken as exactly zero volts.

Zeta Potential: Electric potential across all phase boundaries between solids and liquids. In colloids, the zeta potential is the potential across the ion layer around a charged colloidal particle. Neutrali . . . View Full Definition

Upside Potential: The minimum price at which a seller of property will accept a bid at an auction.