How do u know the direction of the current?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the direction of current flow in a circuit involving three batteries with different electromotive forces (emfs) and resistances. The batteries in question are Battery 1 with an emf of 2.0 V, and Batteries 2 and 3 with emfs of 3.0 V each. The resistances are R1 = 1 ohm and R2 = 2.2 ohms. According to Kirchhoff's rules, the current can indeed flow "backwards" through a battery when the combined emf of the other batteries exceeds that of the first battery, resulting in a reversal of current direction.

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mr_coffee
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Hello everyone, 'im trying to figure out the potential difference between Va-Vb but I'm confused. here is the picture:
http://www.webassign.net/hrw/hrw7_27-40.gif
I figured out the current in battery 1, 2 , and 3.
In Figure 27-40, the resistances are R1 = 1 , R2 = 2.2 , and the ideal batteries have emfs 1 = 2.0 V, and 2 = 3 = 3 V;

Since Batter 2 and 3 have the bigger amount of engery wouldn't it overcome the direction that Battery 1 has? But then current would be going from negative to positve?
 
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It is possible for current to flow "backwards" through a battery. Kirchhoff's rules will tell you the direction.
 
yes, it will just cancel out the effects of that battery and current will go the opposite direction
 

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