Why Is Potential Higher at the Positive End of a Conducting Rod?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on why the positive end of a conducting rod has higher potential when an induced emf is created. It clarifies that while electrons accumulate at the negative end, this does not indicate higher potential; rather, the positive end is considered higher potential due to the conventional definition of charge. The accumulation of negative charge at one end corresponds to a relative increase in positive charge at the other end. Additionally, the magnetic field inducing the emf exerts a force that moves electrons contrary to the electric field's direction. This understanding resolves the confusion regarding potential and charge distribution in the context of induced emf.
HAL10000
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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?
 
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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.
 
HAL10000 said:
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)
 
Thanks, I understand now
 

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