How is potential difference defined in terms of work and charge?

Potential difference is defined as the amount of work done to move a unit charge from one point to another in an electric field.

Mathematically, it is expressed as:
V = W / Q

where:
V = potential difference (volts)
W = work done (joules)
Q = charge (coulombs)

This means that if 1 joule of work is required to move 1 coulomb of charge between two points, the potential difference between those points is 1 volt.

In practical terms, potential difference provides the driving force that pushes electric charges through a conductor, enabling the flow of current.