Voltage in a DC Circuit: The Difference in Potential Energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the concept of voltage in a DC circuit, emphasizing that voltage is defined as the difference in potential energy between two points due to the source charge of the electric field. It highlights the distinction between conventional current flow, which assumes positive charge movement from positive to negative, and the actual flow of electrons, which is negative charge movement in the opposite direction. The conversation also touches on the role of electric fields in particle movement within various media, including vacuum tubes and klystrons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of DC circuit principles
  • Familiarity with electric fields and charge movement
  • Knowledge of conventional vs. actual current flow
  • Basic concepts of vacuum tubes and klystrons
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of voltage in electrical circuits
  • Learn about the behavior of electrons in conductors
  • Study the applications of vacuum tubes and klystrons in electronics
  • Explore the differences between conventional and electron flow in circuits
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of voltage and current flow in DC circuits.

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In a DC circuit charges flow in the opposite direction to the electric field. Is the difference in potential energy over two points b and a of a point charge due to the source charge of this field defined as voltage?
 
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Try reading here.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage

You may be confused between conventional (traditional) current flow which was based on the assumption of positive charges before it was discovered that current flow is actually the movement of free electrons in conductors...that is, negative charges..

So conventional dc current flow (of positive partciles) is from plus to minus in the circuit...but we all know the flow is REALLY in the opposite direction...because it's electrons that are moving...either convention is ok if used consistently...

An electric field is usually used to describe the movement iof a designated particle in free space, like air, or some medium with another dielectric constant...the particles in such a field are always identified as plus or minus...and are typically negative, electrons, as in a vacuum tube or klystron (used in radar and microwave ovens)...as two examples...
 

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