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Homework Statement
This is a problem I made myself, I was curious to see if I'm understanding this convention properly.
The link: http://gyazo.com/24c7f7f82f6453a3396d96d67c2a067d
Homework Equations
##P=IV##
The Attempt at a Solution
Okay, from what I understand, the power (-40W) being negative implies that the element is supplying power.
That means that the current is entering the negative end of the terminal of the element and leaving through the positive end if I'm not mistaken.
Since the current is entering from the negative terminal, this means we should use the equation:
##P = -IV##
##-40W = -(-2A)(V)##
##V = -20V##
Now if that happens to be correct ^ I'm curious about something else. Rather than draw another terrible drawing, I'll try to explain.
Lets say the power is now P = 40W and leave the current as -2A. Change the reference points around so that A is positive and B is negative.
This means that the element is absorbing energy. That means that the current is entering the positive end of the terminal of the element and leaving through the negative end.
So the equation to be used would be:
##P = IV##
##40W = (-2A)(V)##
##V = -20V##
Is this also correct?