Absolute Measurement of Voltage by an Electrostatic Energy-Changing Method

A new method for an absolute measurement of voltage is given. It is based on the phenomenon that, when one electrode of a capacitor supplied with a constant voltage is moved, the amount of the change of the electrostatic energy stored in the capacitor is equal to the work required for this movement. A prototype of an apparatus to be used in this method was prepared and its performance has been examined. In an ideal case, it is considered possible to determine the voltage with an accuracy of a few parts in a million with this apparatus.