Labeling + or - on random point on circuit- What does it mea

[LongApple]

Labeling + or - on random point on circuit- What does it mean in this link?

http://i.imgur.com/ECSDONZ.png

I also have an unrelated question but the topic is similar enough that I thought I would not create another thread.

Why is the meaning and use of labeling + and - on resistors? I thought the resistor behaves the same way no matter its orientation
http://i.imgur.com/0IrBiR6.png

1. Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[BvU]

Labelling is for V, not for R

 

[NascentOxygen]

Labeling + or - on random point on circuit- What does it mean in this link?

It means that the point (i.e., node) labelled + is [to be] regarded as being at a voltage more positive than is the one labelled -

In the specific case you cite, it seems to serve no useful purpose, unless these are indicating the terminals of a voltage source (voltage + internal resistance).

 

[CWatters]

I believe the + and - signs your first and second circuits are trying to convey different things.

In the first circuit it looks like the +ve and -ve terminals are the +ve and -ve terminals of a battery or similar voltage source. I say this because both the 30V battery and the 25 Ohm resistor are between the +ve and -ve symbols. It appear they are trying to say that the 25 ohm resistor is an internal resistance.

In the second both circuits the +ve and -ve symbols near resistors are to define the direction of the corresponding voltage drop across the resistor (eg what BvU said).

The basic procedure to follow when solving circuits like this is to first mark up the circuit with either +ve and -ve symbols like this or use arrows to indicate which end of any voltage you define to be +ve. It doesn't matter if you are wrong. The important thing is to be consistent when you convert your definitions into circuit equations (eg KCL, KVL).

So for example take a look at the 6R resistor on the right. For whatever reason the person that labelled the circuit choose to define V3 such that the bottom end is +ve. Now if you solve the circuit equations and find V3 turns out to be a positive number then the bottom end of the 6R resistor will indeed be +ve with respect to the top end. However if V3 turns out to be a negative number that means the top end of the 6R resistor will be +ve with respect to the bottom end. Neither is "wrong" although one appears slightly odd.

I suggest you work out V3 as an exercise.

 

[LongApple]

I believe the + and - signs your first and second circuits are trying to convey different things.

In the first circuit it looks like the +ve and -ve terminals are the +ve and -ve terminals of a battery or similar voltage source. I say this because both the 30V battery and the 25 Ohm resistor are between the +ve and -ve symbols. It appear they are trying to say that the 25 ohm resistor is an internal resistance.

In the second both circuits the +ve and -ve symbols near resistors are to define the direction of the corresponding voltage drop across the resistor (eg what BvU said).

The basic procedure to follow when solving circuits like this is to first mark up the circuit with either +ve and -ve symbols like this or use arrows to indicate which end of any voltage you define to be +ve. It doesn't matter if you are wrong. The important thing is to be consistent when you convert your definitions into circuit equations (eg KCL, KVL).

So for example take a look at the 6R resistor on the right. For whatever reason the person that labelled the circuit choose to define V3 such that the bottom end is +ve. Now if you solve the circuit equations and find V3 turns out to be a positive number then the bottom end of the 6R resistor will indeed be +ve with respect to the top end. However if V3 turns out to be a negative number that means the top end of the 6R resistor will be +ve with respect to the bottom end. Neither is "wrong" although one appears slightly odd.

I suggest you work out V3 as an exercise.

What is ve, ve+, and ve-? I am guessing the ve means nothing and ve + = + but there is probably a reason to write the letters v e

 

[CWatters]

Sorry..

+ve = short hand for "positive"
-ve = short hand "negative"

 

[CWatters]

Sorry for all the strike outs in my earlier post. I didn't spot the V on the first circuit until after I'd posted.