Element absorbing/supplying power?

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In the discussion, the user grapples with understanding power absorption in a circuit involving an element with a potential of +20 V and a current of 4 A entering its negative terminal. The confusion arises from the interpretation of current flow, where it seems that electrons gain energy as they move from the negative to the positive terminal. This leads to the question of whether the element is supplying energy rather than absorbing it. Clarification is provided that, in this scenario, the power absorbed by the element can be considered negative, indicating that it is indeed supplying energy to the circuit. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the direction of current flow and potential differences in circuit analysis.
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Hello, I am working on some basic circuit problems. I am just getting started and am having some difficulties with the wording of the problems. For example, a problem shows that 4 A of current is entering the negative terminal of an element with potential of +20 V, where I then have to calculate the power being absorbed by the element. This seems odd to me, if the potential is +20 V, then the positive terminal of the element has a higher potential compared to the negative terminal, specifically, with a magnitude of 20 V, right? So if current flows through the element in from the negative and out through the positive, aren't the electrons gaining energy as they pass through it, which means that the element is supplying energy to the circuit? Does the question imply that the element is absorbing power from its surroundings, like a battery charger or something?
 
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For the problem you described, you may answer that the power absorbed is negative.
 

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