What is polarity in electricity?

Polarity in electricity refers to the direction of current flow in an electrical circuit. In direct current (DC) circuits, polarity indicates the positive and negative terminals of a power source or component. The positive terminal has an excess of electrons, while the negative terminal has a deficiency of electrons.

Polarity is crucial in electrical circuits because it dictates the direction of current flow. When connecting components such as batteries, resistors, or diodes in a circuit, it is important to match the polarity of each component to ensure that the circuit functions properly.

In alternating current (AC) circuits, polarity can refer to the direction of the voltage waveform. The voltage waveform in an AC circuit alternates between positive and negative values, and the polarity of the voltage indicates the direction in which the current flows during each half of the cycle.

Polarity markings on components such as diodes, capacitors, and power supplies help ensure that these components are connected correctly in a circuit. Incorrect polarity can result in damage to the component or the circuit, so it is important to pay attention to polarity markings when assembling an electrical circuit.