Simple problem with voltages

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SUMMARY

The voltage between points A and B in the discussed circuit can be expressed as VAB = E1 - E2 - 2Ir, where I is the current and r is the resistance. The confusion arises from the interpretation of the current direction and its representation in the schematic. The consensus among participants is that the current arrow indicates a conventional current source, which clarifies the potential difference between A and B. The book's answer of 2Ir + E1 - E2 is incorrect.

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TL;DR: simple problem with voltages

I have a very simple problem with voltages, and I think that the answer in my book is wrong.

In the attached image, what's the voltage between A and B, expressed with E1, E2, I and r?
(The answer in the book is 2Ir + E1 - E2, but I think that is should be -2Ir + E1 - E2).

Thank you!

problema_2_surse.webp
 
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It looks like ##V_{AB}=0## to me since they are directly connected by a wire.

Is the triangle for ##I## just supposed to represent the direction of the current or is it supposed to be a current source?
 
Thank you for replying. Of course VAB = 0, but the problem is how to express it using E1, E2, I and r (it's a question from an exam).
My dilemma is if it's 2Ir + E1 - E2, or -2Ir + E1 - E2.

There is no reference about the direction of the current I, just that "the current goes through the wire", I guess it can also be negative.
 
Dale said:
Is the triangle for just supposed to represent the direction of the current I, or is it supposed to be a current source?
The arrow must represent a conventional current source, or there could be no potential difference between the points A and B..
 
The voltage at B wrt A is ##(V_B-V_A) \equiv V_{BA}=E_1-E_2-2IR=0##
The current arrow drawn is an arbitrary polarity definition, so we'll all agree about the signs in the equation. Except your instructor, apparently.
 
Got it. Thank you!
 
Perhaps a better schematic would help:
PXL_20260102_175107148~2[1].webp
 
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