How can negative potential difference be achieved in an electric circuit?

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Negative potential difference in an electric circuit can be achieved by referencing measurements to different terminals of a battery. When the negative terminal is connected to ground potential, voltages measured at various points will appear positive. Conversely, if the positive terminal is used as the reference point, the voltages will read negative. This concept parallels gravitational potential, where moving upwards increases potential and moving downwards decreases it. Understanding this principle is essential for accurately interpreting voltage measurements in circuits.
paulojomaje
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I've heard about this over and over again, but i don't how this(negative pd) can be achieved in an electric circuit.
 
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It's a potential difference in the opposite direction of a positive one.
 
If you go Upstairs, you are increasing your gravitational potential with respect to where you started off. If you go Downstairs, then your potential is decreasing. In the same way, connecting a battery with its negative terminal at 'ground potential' (the black wire on your meter, perhaps), then your meter will show positive voltages at different places in your circuit.
If you connect the black wire of your meter to the positive terminal then the voltages you measure will all read negative - because you are measuring the potential relative to a higher value.
 

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