PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Circuits · Electric Circuits
Problem
While tracing a closed circuit loop, you move through an ideal cell from its positive terminal to its negative terminal. What sign should be assigned to the cell’s emf in the loop equation?
(a) Positive, because you are moving with the conventional current direction.
(b) Zero, since an ideal cell causes no voltage change inside itself.
(c) Negative, because the potential falls when moving from the positive to the negative terminal.
(d) Indeterminate until the current direction is known.