How can negative potential difference be achieved in an electric circuit?

In summary, negative potential difference (pd) in an electric circuit is achieved when the negative terminal of a battery is connected to the ground potential, causing the voltages measured by a meter to be negative. This is similar to how going downstairs decreases your potential and going upstairs increases it.
  • #1
paulojomaje
13
0
I've heard about this over and over again, but i don't how this(negative pd) can be achieved in an electric circuit.
 
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  • #2
It's a potential difference in the opposite direction of a positive one.
 
  • #3
If you go Upstairs, you are increasing your gravitational potential with respect to where you started off. If you go Downstairs, then your potential is decreasing. In the same way, connecting a battery with its negative terminal at 'ground potential' (the black wire on your meter, perhaps), then your meter will show positive voltages at different places in your circuit.
If you connect the black wire of your meter to the positive terminal then the voltages you measure will all read negative - because you are measuring the potential relative to a higher value.
 

1. What is a negative potential difference?

A negative potential difference is a difference in electric potential between two points in a circuit where the electric potential decreases from the first point to the second point. It is also known as a voltage drop.

2. How is a negative potential difference measured?

A negative potential difference can be measured using a voltmeter, which is connected in parallel to the circuit component where the voltage drop is being measured. The voltmeter will display the numerical value of the negative potential difference in volts.

3. What causes a negative potential difference?

A negative potential difference is caused by the movement of electrons in a circuit. When electrons flow from a higher potential to a lower potential, a negative potential difference is created. This can occur due to the presence of a voltage source or a difference in resistance within the circuit.

4. Can a negative potential difference exist in a battery?

Yes, a negative potential difference can exist in a battery. In fact, the negative terminal of a battery is typically at a lower electric potential than the positive terminal, creating a negative potential difference between the two. This allows for the flow of electrons from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, powering the circuit.

5. How does a negative potential difference affect the flow of current?

A negative potential difference is necessary for the flow of current in a circuit. It provides the driving force for electrons to move from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. The greater the negative potential difference, the greater the flow of current in the circuit.

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