How Does Battery Voltage Indicate Electric Potential Difference?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of battery voltage and its relation to electric potential difference, specifically whether the expression P+ – P– equals the voltage or its negative. Participants explore the implications of potential differences and engage in hypothetical reasoning regarding electric charges.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that if a battery has 6V, then P+ – P– = 6V, indicating that the potential at the positive terminal is greater than that at the negative terminal.
  • Others question the implications of reversing the terminals, asking whether this would result in a negative potential difference.
  • One participant mentions that some people argue the potential difference U is defined as U = - ΔP, suggesting a different interpretation of potential difference.
  • Another participant notes that using a voltmeter with leads reversed would yield a negative reading, further complicating the understanding of voltage and potential difference.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic interpretation of battery voltage but express differing views on the definitions and implications of potential difference, leading to unresolved questions and competing interpretations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of potential difference and the conditions under which different interpretations apply. The discussion includes hypothetical scenarios that may not reflect standard definitions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electrical engineering, physics students exploring concepts of voltage and potential difference, and those curious about the theoretical implications of electric charge interactions.

Jhenrique
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If a battery has 6V of voltage, this means that P+ – P– = 6V or that P– – P+ = 6V ?

Being:
P+ = electric potential of the positive pole
P– = electric potential of the negative pole
 
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Jhenrique said:
If a battery has 6V of voltage, this means that P+ – P– = 6V or that P– – P+ = 6V ?

The first one. The potential on the positive terminal is greater than the potential on the negative terminal by 6V.
 
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jbriggs444 said:
The first one. The potential on the positive terminal is greater than the potential on the negative terminal by 6V.

What if it was the other way? Will it have a Negative potential difference then? :o
 
adjacent said:
What if it was the other way? Will it have a Negative potential difference then? :o

In the life exist a lot of "if"...

if the oposite charges repel itself...
if the equal charges attract itself...

We would have another world xD
 
Jhenrique said:
In the life exist a lot of "if"...

if the oposite charges repel itself...
if the equal charges attract itself...

We would have another world xD

Or as I once heard someone say, If my father was a woman I would have two mothers.
 
dauto said:
Or as I once heard someone say, If my father was a woman I would have two mothers.

And about who is created by 2 lesbians, who will the mother? kkkkkkkkkkkkk
 
Some people says that the potential difference U is not ΔP (P = electric potential) but yes U = - ΔP.

If the current (real) leaves the negative pole for go to positive pole, this means that the final pole is the positive and the initial pole is negative. By definition, ΔP = Pfinal - Pinitial = P+ - P- = U. For me, U = +ΔP.
 
Jhenrique said:
If a battery has 6V of voltage, this means that P+ – P– = 6V or that P– – P+ = 6V ?

Being:
P+ = electric potential of the positive pole
P– = electric potential of the negative pole

If you put the voltmeter leads on + to -, and - to + it will read -6 V. The other way around it reads +6V.
 

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