If the voltage causes the electrons to flow toward the generating source, the voltage is ________.

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Multiple Choice

If the voltage causes the electrons to flow toward the generating source, the voltage is ________.

Voltage tells you which terminal is at higher potential relative to the other, and conventional current is defined to flow from that high-potential terminal through the circuit. Since electrons are negative, their natural movement is toward higher potential, i.e., toward the terminal with greater potential. If you observe electrons flowing toward the generating source, this indicates the polarity is opposite to the direction assumed for a positive voltage. In this sign convention, that opposite polarity is described as negative. So the voltage is negative.

Voltage tells you which terminal is at higher potential relative to the other, and conventional current is defined to flow from that high-potential terminal through the circuit. Since electrons are negative, their natural movement is toward higher potential, i.e., toward the terminal with greater potential. If you observe electrons flowing toward the generating source, this indicates the polarity is opposite to the direction assumed for a positive voltage. In this sign convention, that opposite polarity is described as negative. So the voltage is negative.

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