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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding the Passive Sign Convention (PSC) and its application in power calculations, specifically using the formula P=VI. The user struggles with determining the direction of current flow and identifying positive and negative terminals in a circuit. Clarifications are provided regarding how current flows into the positive terminal of a resistor and how to interpret voltage and current arrows in circuit diagrams. The importance of visualizing current direction and marking terminals correctly is emphasized to avoid confusion. Ultimately, understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately determining whether power is being delivered or consumed in a circuit.
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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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