answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

That is correct. Since potential difference is a difference, Vb - Va ,then you can have all three possibilities. The potential at a point, say Va, is itself a difference. It is the potential difference between point "a" and a second point "0" where the potential is choosen to be zero. This zero point is completely arbitrary , provided it does not lead to mathematical difficulties. Sometimes it is convienient to choose a zero location for potential and sometimes its not necessary. For example; suppose the potential difference between charged parallel plates a & b is Vb - Va = 10 volts. This would require that Vb > Va , but the actual values of Vb & Va need not be known. Then Va - Vb = - 10 volts. If one wants to choose point "a" as the zero point, then Vb = 10 v. Or if one wants to choose Vb as the zero point then Va = - 10 v. Or if one wants to choose midway between the plates as the zero point then Vb = 5v & Va = - 5v.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Is potential difference can be positive negative or zero?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is the difference about positive and negative?

negative is below zero, positive is above


What is the difference between a negative number and a positive number?

Negative numbers are below zero whereas positive are above zero.


Can a negative integer and a positive integer have a difference of zero?

No.


What is zero negative property?

Zero is not negative. It is not positive either.Zero is not negative. It is not positive either.Zero is not negative. It is not positive either.Zero is not negative. It is not positive either.


Can a subtraction expression with a positive integer and a negative integer have a difference of zero?

No, not counting zero,the difference is always positive since minus a minus is plus


What is the difference between a positive and negative fraction?

If you mean the difference in terms of numerical value, then it is the positive faction minus the negative faction, which is calculated as the positive fraction plus the absolute value* of the negative fraction - just like the difference between a positive and negative number. * The absolute value of a number is the value of the number ignoring any minus sign; eg abs(-4) = 4 = abs(4). If you mean the difference in terms of where they are on the number line, then the positive fraction is one side of zero (it is greater than zero) and the negative fraction is the other side of zero (it is less than zero).


Is Voltage with respect to negative terminal taken as positive or negative?

im not sure how clearly your phrasing your question, but when dealing with circuits potential difference (voltage) is max, and at the positive terminal its zero. it decreases as you go around the circuit. hope this helps


What is the negative of zero?

There is no negative of zero, nor is there a positive. Zero is no value, hence it has no positive or negative value.


Positive and negative whole numbers and zero?

Positive and negative whole numbers and zero are integers. Zero is neither negative or positive.


Is zero positive integer or negative integer?

Zero is neither positive or negative.


Why does the product of an integer multiplied by itself cannot be negative?

There are just three possible cases: Positive integer: positive x positive = positive. Negative integer: negative x negative = positive. Zero: zero x zero = zero.


How can you decide if the difference of two numbers is positive negative or zero without actually calculating the difference?

You can do this by inspection. If the second number is smaller than the first, their difference is positive. If the second number is greater than the first, then their difference is negative. If the second number is the same as the first number, then their difference is zero.