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Re: EMF

I would propose the term "Electromotive Source" (EMS). This capitalizes
on the distinction between sources and sinks in a electrical circuit. An
EMS of 5 Volts calls upon an external energy source to give 5 Joules of
energy to each coulomb which passes through it (in the "forward"
direction).

Bob Sciamanda (W3NLV)
Physics, Edinboro Univ of PA (em)
trebor@velocity.net
http://www.velocity.net/~trebor
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ludwik Kowalski" <kowalskiL@MAIL.MONTCLAIR.EDU>
To: <PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu>
Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2002 2:43 PM
Subject: EMF


Referring to the EMF my textbook states that the use of the
term electromotive force "is discouraged." We know why.
So what is the alternative? I am hesitating between "frog"
(or frogging) and "food". The first has to do with the old
Galvani-Volta controversy, the second with energy. A
battery of 12 volts, for example, feeds (another f-word?)
each coulomb with 12 joules of energy, at it passes through
it. I think food is more appropriate. Any better alternative?
Ludwik Kowalski