Volta potential by its work function, and so dissimilar metals can show an electric potential difference even at equilibrium. The Volta potential is "not" an intrinsic property of the two bulk metals under consideration, but rather is determined by work function differences between the metals' surfaces. Just like the work function, the Volta potential depends sensitively on surface state, contamination, and so on. The potential is given by the formula: formula_1, where V is the potential, The Volta potential can be significant (of order 1 volt) but it cannot be measured directly by an ordinary voltmeter. A voltmeter does not measure vacuum
Ground loop (electricity) the cable If a current "I" from a separate source is flowing through the ground conductor, the resistance "R" of the conductor will create a voltage drop along the cable ground of "IR", so the destination end of the ground conductor will be at a different potential than the source end Since the differential amplifier has high impedance, little current flows in the signal wire, therefore there is no voltage drop across it: formula_15 The ground voltage appears to be in series with the signal voltage "V" and adds to it If "I" is an AC current this can result