Potential in a Conducting Rod

[HAL10000]

When an induced emf is created in a conducting rod why is the resulting potential higher at the positive end of the rod?

Since the electrons accumulate at the negative end of the rod then wouldn't this be the higher potential instead?

Don't negative charges flow from lower to higher potential?

 

[PhysicoRaj]

The potential is usually talked about in conventional way. What you say is correct. But conventionally, positive charge is spied upon. The region having low negative charge is nothing but a region with high positive charge(w.r.t. conductor in this case). The end having high positive charge is considered to be havin the highest potential. If you follow the electrons, vice versa.

 

[Hassan2]

Don't negative charges flow from lower to higher potential?

The magnetic field which is inducing the emf exerts another force and moves the electrons against the will of the electric field. After all

$F=q(E+v\times B)$

 

[HAL10000]

Thanks, I understand now

 

[PJC01]

This is a common misconception about potential and the flow of charges. In a conducting rod, the potential is actually higher at the positive end because it is the end that is connected to the source of the induced emf, such as a battery or a changing magnetic field. The positive end is considered the "higher potential" because it is at a higher electrical potential energy compared to the negative end.

Electrons may accumulate at the negative end due to the induced emf, but this does not mean that the potential at that end is higher. In fact, the negative charges are being repelled by the higher potential at the positive end and are being forced to accumulate at the negative end. This is similar to how water flows from higher to lower potential in a waterfall, even though the water may accumulate at the bottom due to the force of gravity.

In summary, the potential is higher at the positive end of a conducting rod because it is connected to the source of the induced emf, and the negative charges are being repelled towards the lower potential at the negative end. This is consistent with the general principle that charges flow from higher to lower potential.