The abvolt (symbolized abV) is the unit of electromotive force (EMF) or potential difference in the cgs (centimeter/gram/second) electromagnetic system of units. When an EMF of 1 abV exists between two points, then one erg of energy is needed to move one abcoulomb (1 abC) of charge carriers between those two points.

A potential difference of 1 abV will drive a current of one abampere (1 abA) through a resistance of one abohm (ab W ). Ohm's Law applies for the cgs electromagnetic units, just as it does for the units in the International System of Units ( SI ). That is:

E = IR

where E is the EMF in abvolts, I is the current in abamperes, and R is the resistance in abohms.

The abvolt is a tiny unit of EMF, equal to 10 ^-8 volts (V). In most practical applications, the volt , which is the unit of potential difference in SI, is preferred.

Also see voltage , cgs or small-unit metric system , and International Systems of Units ( SI ).

21 Mar 2011