Circuit with only resistors and multiple batteries

AI Thread Summary
In a circuit with only resistors and multiple batteries, determining the positive and negative sides of resistors depends on the circuit's configuration and requires solving the circuit. When applying Kirchhoff's rules, one must choose a direction for current flow in each branch, with voltage drops occurring in the direction of the current. This choice is essentially a guess, as a negative current indicates an incorrect assumption about the direction. The discussion clarifies that the actual polarity cannot be determined until the circuit is analyzed. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurately applying Kirchhoff's laws.
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in a simple circuit with only resistors and multiple batteries and multiple loops, which side is the positive and negative on the resistors? I am referring to the case of Kirchhoff rule in which I have to come up with equations to solve for current or voltage. But I got confused on voltage drop and gain thing.
 
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Do you mean "what side is positive and negative" in the real circuit, or what side should you choose + and - when solving the circuit?

If the former - you can't tell until you solve the circuit!

If the later - I always choose a direction for the current in each branch, voltage drops in the direction of the current. I thought of the choice of direction as a guess; if a current turns up negative, it means I guessed wrong.

Does this help?
 


yes, thanks alot.
 
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