Potential Difference in Circuits

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the concept of potential difference (pd) in electrical circuits, specifically in relation to a circuit diagram involving resistors and batteries. Participants seek clarification on a statement from a textbook regarding the potential difference at a specific point in the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the significance of the statement regarding the negative terminal of the battery and the potential difference at the lower end of resistor R2.
  • Another participant asks for the values of the resistors and whether there is a ground point in the circuit.
  • A participant provides the values of R1 and R2 as 2 ohms and 4 ohms, respectively.
  • There is a request for clarification on whether the participant is asking why the potential difference between the negative end of E1 and the lower end of resistor R2 is stated to be 6V.
  • A later reply critiques the use of the term "PD" in the textbook statement, suggesting it should specify two points in the circuit and questions the clarity of the statement regarding the potential being 6V relative to point b.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the clarity and significance of the textbook statement, indicating a lack of consensus on its interpretation and implications.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the ambiguity in the use of terminology and the need for clearer definitions of points in the circuit when discussing potential difference.

DriggyBoy
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In the picture that i attached
i need some help
********
In the book it says
''' The negative terminal of the battery E_1 is connected to b. So at the lower end of the resistance R_2 the pd is 6V. "'
What is the significance of this statement?
 

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where's the picture?
 
check attachments
 
Does it give values for R1 and R2? Is there a ground point in the circuit?
 
R_1 is 2 ohm
nd R_2 is 4 ohm
 
I just can't grasp what you are getting at. Are you saying why the pd between the negative end of E1 and the lower end of resistor R2 is claimed to be 6v?
 
DriggyBoy said:
In the picture that i attached
i need some help
********
In the book it says
''' The negative terminal of the battery E_1 is connected to b. So at the lower end of the resistance R_2 the pd is 6V. "'
What is the significance of this statement?

The statement is a bit sloppy because it uses "PD", which should explicitly specify two points in the circuit, between which there is a Difference in Potential.
If E2 is a 6V battery then, relative to point b, how can the Potential be anything but 6V? It's just stating the obvious, really, and can be used as a start in calculating the current and volts around the network.
 

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