Why 10V Between Every Point in Circuit Diagram?

In summary, the conversation discusses the third circuit diagram from a link provided. The diagram states that there should be 10V between every point, but the individual is questioning if there should be a difference in voltage value between certain points due to a resistor. The expert explains that the voltage refers to a difference in potential energy and that resistors can change the degree of work needed to move a charge, creating a potential difference. The expert also clarifies that the statement in the diagram is referring to specific pairs of points and not every possible combination.
  • #1
goomer
31
0
Please look at the third circuit diagram from the link below

http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_2/7.html

It says that there should be 10V between every point in the diagram. But shouldn't there be a difference in voltage value between points 1 and 2 and points 3 and 4? There's a resistor between points 3 and 4.

My thinking is that if V=IR and there's a resistor between 3 and 4, it should have a different voltage than between points 1 and 2, which doesn't have a resistor between it.

Please explain why I am wrong...
 
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  • #2
goomer said:
Please look at the third circuit diagram from the link below

http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_2/7.html

It says that there should be 10V between every point in the diagram. But shouldn't there be a difference in voltage value between points 1 and 2 and points 3 and 4? There's a resistor between points 3 and 4.

My thinking is that if V=IR and there's a resistor between 3 and 4, it should have a different voltage than between points 1 and 2, which doesn't have a resistor between it.

Please explain why I am wrong...

It refers to any points 'before' and 'after' the resistor.
Examples voltage across points 1-4 or 1-6 or 2-5 or 3-6 and any other combinations are equal.
 
  • #3


Voltage refers to a difference in potential energy across two points. It's essentially work done to move a charge between two points. In an ideal wire, there is nothing present to impede the charge from moving freely. I say ideal as real wires have some electrical resistance (superconducting wires do not).

Anyway, resistors and capacitors change the degree of work needed to move a charge. Resistors make it more difficult for charges to pass through. This creates a potential difference (this term is synonymous with voltage). So the potential energy before the resistor is different from the potential energy after the resistor. Take the difference between these energies and you get the voltage (V = IR).

Hope this helps.
 
  • #4


goomer said:
It says that there should be 10V between every point in the diagram.

No. Read it again, it doesn't use those exact words it says..

The voltage between points 1 and 6 is 10 volts, coming straight from the battery. However, since points 5 and 4 are common to 6, and points 2 and 3 common to 1, that same 10 volts also exists between these other pairs of points:

Basically it's saying that in the sentence

"The voltage between points 1 and 6 is 10 volts"

you can:

Replace "6" with "5" or "4"

and/or

Replace "1" with "2" or "3".

No other combinations measure 10V. For example if you measure beween 2 and 3 you get zero volts.
 
  • #5


Oh wow, I can't believe I missed that...thank you so much!
 

1. Why is there always a 10V difference between every point in a circuit diagram?

The 10V difference between every point in a circuit diagram is due to the voltage source, which is typically a battery or power supply, providing a constant voltage of 10V to the circuit. This voltage is distributed throughout the circuit and results in a 10V difference between any two points in the circuit.

2. Is the 10V difference between every point in a circuit diagram always the same?

No, the 10V difference between every point in a circuit diagram can vary depending on the components and their arrangement in the circuit. For example, if there are resistors or other components in the circuit, they can affect the voltage and result in a difference other than 10V between points.

3. Can the 10V difference between points in a circuit diagram ever be greater than 10V?

Yes, in some cases, the 10V difference between points in a circuit diagram can be greater than 10V. This can happen if there are multiple voltage sources in the circuit, or if there are components that amplify or increase the voltage.

4. Why is the 10V difference between points in a circuit diagram important?

The 10V difference between points in a circuit diagram is important because it represents the potential difference between those points. This potential difference is what drives the flow of electric current in a circuit, and understanding it is crucial for analyzing and designing circuits.

5. Can the 10V difference between points in a circuit diagram ever be negative?

No, the 10V difference between points in a circuit diagram cannot be negative. Voltage is always measured as a positive quantity, and if there is a negative difference between points, it is represented as a negative voltage. However, the 10V difference between points will always be positive in a circuit diagram.

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