Starting at point P where the potential is

PHYSICS · Subjective · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Circuits · Electric Circuits

Problem

0\,\text{V}

, a potential–position graph for a closed loop shows the following successive changes in the direction of conventional current:

+18\,\text{V}

(ideal battery),

-5\,\text{V}

(resistor 1),

-7\,\text{V}

(resistor 2), and

\Delta V_x

(unknown element), after which the graph returns to

0\,\text{V}

upon completing the loop. Determine the value of

\Delta V_x

and state whether the unknown element acts as a source or a load.