Understanding Passive Sign Convention: Power Calculation Example (P=VI)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the Passive Sign Convention (PSC) in the context of power calculations, specifically using the formula P=VI. Participants are seeking clarification on how to determine whether power is being delivered or absorbed in a circuit, and how to identify positive and negative terminals in relation to current flow.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about whether current is leaving a positive terminal to enter a negative terminal, and how this relates to power calculations.
  • Another participant references Chegg, suggesting that if power is greater than zero, it indicates power is being delivered to a component, and questions if this assumption is correct.
  • Several participants discuss the relationship between current direction and terminal polarity, with one noting that current flows into the positive end of a resistor according to Ohm's Law.
  • There is a suggestion to visualize current flow with arrows to clarify direction, and a participant emphasizes the importance of identifying positive and negative terminals based on voltage arrows and terminal markings.
  • One participant mentions the potential confusion arising from voltage arrows being labeled as negative, proposing that redrawing the diagram could help clarify the situation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the PSC and the identification of positive and negative terminals. There is no consensus on the correct interpretation of current flow and power direction, indicating that multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in their understanding of terminal identification and current direction, suggesting that assumptions about voltage and current labeling may not be universally clear. The discussion reflects a need for further clarification on these concepts.

xtrubambinoxpr
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Homework Statement



I am having trouble understanding PSC. Please help on this question. Teach me like I am 5. My tutor couldn't break it to me.

(SEE ATTACHED) and find whether the power is being given or taken

Homework Equations



p=vi
p=-vi

The Attempt at a Solution



I can't realize if this current is leaving positive to get into negative or negative to positive. Also, the relation to negative and positive current is really messing me up. I got:

Pa: a) 1250w b) 1200w c) -5760 d) 16500

but my book says they are opposite.

Thank you!
 

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Chegg has this. This because the power A > 0 so it is being delivered power to A and it flows from negative to positive?

Is my assumption correct?

thank you
 

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▸[/color] Consider when a resistor is hidden inside a box. Whatever end of the resistor is positive is also the end that current flows into that resistor. Ohm's Law.

▸[/color] Current in the second interconnecting wire will flow in the direction opposite to that in the first. (It may help you to picture what is happening if you draw both of these current arrows.)
 
NascentOxygen said:
▸[/color] Consider when a resistor is hidden inside a box. Whatever end of the resistor is positive is also the end that current flows into that resistor. Ohm's Law.

▸[/color] Current in the second interconnecting wire will flow in the direction opposite to that in the first. (It may help you to picture what is happening if you draw both of these current arrows.)

so this being said since the top connection is to the left the bottom is to the right?

& I guess what I am Really confused at is which one is positive. The tutor explained to me both the connected terminals where positive on top and negative on the bottom. I am more lost on determining which point (node, black dot, terminal, etc) is pos/neg. I would think the top right (black dot) is where the "positive" comes from into box A which is "negative" on the top left black dot.
 
xtrubambinoxpr said:
so this being said since the top connection is to the left the bottom is to the right?
Are you talking about current direction?

& I guess what I am Really confused at is which one is positive.
The positive terminal has the "+" sign. Alternatively, the positive terminal is pointed to by the arrow head of the voltage arrow. If an arrow is shown but + and ─ are not already marked in, you can write them in lightly as a reminder.

 [/size]+
 ↑[/color][/size]_

What might get you confused is where a voltage arrow is shown and you are told it is negative volts. In this case, you can redraw the diagram with the arrow pointing in the opposite direction and then say the voltage is a + voltage.

A similar thing applies where a current arrow is drawn but labelled ─. You can reverse it and say it's positive.
 

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