How Do Voltage Arrows Indicate Polarity?

Do the arrows to represent voltage usually go from + to - or from - to +? In summary, the arrows are conventionally used to represent a positive change in potential, so they point to the higher voltage.
  • #1
cytochrome
166
3
I see a lot of voltage drops being represented as an arrow. Say a voltage of 20V is represented as an arrow from point a to point b.

What is the polarity of and b then? Do the arrows to represent voltage usually go from + to - or from - to +?

Thanks for your time.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
By convention the arrows represent a positive change in potential so they point to the higher voltage.
 
  • #3
I'm still trying to make sure I really understand this. Can someone answer my example question?

Say a voltage of 20V is represented as an arrow from point a to point b. What is the polarity of a and b then?
 

Related to How Do Voltage Arrows Indicate Polarity?

1. What is a voltage reference direction?

A voltage reference direction is the direction in which a voltage is measured or referenced. It is usually indicated by an arrow or a plus (+) symbol, and it is important in determining the polarity of a voltage source or circuit.

2. How is the voltage reference direction determined?

The voltage reference direction is determined by the orientation of the voltage source or circuit. If the positive terminal of the source is connected to the positive terminal of the circuit, then the voltage reference direction is positive. If the positive terminal of the source is connected to the negative terminal of the circuit, then the voltage reference direction is negative.

3. What is the significance of the voltage reference direction in circuit analysis?

The voltage reference direction is crucial in circuit analysis as it helps determine the direction of current flow and the polarity of voltage drops across components. It also helps in calculating the power dissipated by a component and in determining the overall behavior of the circuit.

4. Can the voltage reference direction be changed?

Yes, the voltage reference direction can be changed by reversing the connections of the voltage source or by using a different reference point in the circuit. However, it is important to maintain consistency in the reference direction throughout the circuit analysis to avoid errors.

5. Are there any standard conventions for representing voltage reference direction?

Yes, there are standard conventions for representing voltage reference direction. In most cases, the positive terminal of a voltage source is represented by a plus (+) sign, and the negative terminal by a minus (-) sign. The voltage reference direction is also typically indicated by an arrow pointing towards the positive terminal.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
380
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
285
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
330
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
594
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
571
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
6
Views
444
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
454
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
Back
Top