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Simon777
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I'm currently studying electric circuits and can't find the answer to my question anywhere so far. I realize current is the flow of positive charge even though positive charges stay put in reality and that this is an old historic concept that is still around today because Benjamin Franklin designated positive charge as the one that moves. My issue is understanding how positive charge is the same things as negative charge flowing in the opposite direction in the following situation:
http://www.tutapoint.com/kcimages/Series_Circuit.png
Suppose there is a light bulb in the middle of the two resistors that needs a voltage drop of 20V with the battery providing 120V. If the charge flows from positive to negative, then the left resistor would need to provide the voltage drop. If the charge flows from negative to positive, then the right resistor would need to provide the voltage drop and in this case it matters which way the current is moving.
I'm sure it could work either way, but my mind cannot accept that until I solve this. Could anyone help clear this up for me?
http://www.tutapoint.com/kcimages/Series_Circuit.png
Suppose there is a light bulb in the middle of the two resistors that needs a voltage drop of 20V with the battery providing 120V. If the charge flows from positive to negative, then the left resistor would need to provide the voltage drop. If the charge flows from negative to positive, then the right resistor would need to provide the voltage drop and in this case it matters which way the current is moving.
I'm sure it could work either way, but my mind cannot accept that until I solve this. Could anyone help clear this up for me?
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