Is a 1A Current to the Right Equivalent to -1A to the Left?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of electric current and its directional representation, specifically whether a current of 1A to the right can be considered equivalent to -1A to the left. The subject area is primarily related to electrical circuits and conventions in current measurement.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the conventions of current direction, questioning whether the negative sign indicates a reversal of direction or simply a convention for representation. There is also consideration of how this applies to measurements taken with an ammeter.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts and uncertainties about the conventions of current direction. Some guidance is offered regarding the use of positive and negative signs in relation to current direction, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes the relevance of this question in the context of analyzing current flow into and out of junctions, indicating that the implications of current direction may be significant for understanding circuit behavior.

QueenFisher
a very simple question that i have no idea about:
can you say that a current of 1A to the right is also a current of -1A to the left?
 
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Well, I don't really know, but that's what happen when you invert the inputs of an amperemeter.

So, it's either a device convention to tell you the current go the other way or intensity is really counted negatively.

In fact, I don't really know neither, but I'm sure a guru is going to answer us :p

Kyon
 
After a quick google search, I think I've found the answer: using + and - for current intensity is just a convention to indicate the direction of the current.

Positive intensity if the current go in the same direction as you decided on your drawing, negative otherwise. Just a convention.

When you calculate intensity, I guess you should get positive results only.

Kyon.
 
well, i was wondering about it in the context of working out current into/out of junctions, and it seemed important

cheers!
 

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