potential gradient

noun

, Electricity.

1. the rate of change of potential with respect to distance in the direction of greatest change.

Word History and Origins

Origin of potential gradient¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

This is known as the potential gradient, and it is important in predicting the weather and understanding the chemical composition of the air.

From New York Times

They found that the densest swarms could magnify the local potential gradient to 10 times as much as its initial value.

From New York Times

While doing this, Dr. Hunting noticed that, when the insects swarmed, there was a “profound effect” on the atmosphere’s potential gradient.

From New York Times

Thus, for instance, ordinary sheet glass cannot be safely employed with a greater electric force than is represented by 20,000 volts for one-tenth of an inch in thickness, or, say, a potential gradient of 160,000 volts per centimetre.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence the absolute velocities of the two ions can be determined, and we can calculate the actual speed with which a certain ion moves through a given liquid under the action of a given potential gradient or electromotive force.

From Project Gutenberg