In series-opposing power sources, the polarities are oriented in what direction?

In series-opposing power sources, the polarities are oriented in opposite directions. This configuration means that when the positive terminal of one power source is connected to the negative terminal of another, their voltages effectively subtract from one another when calculating the total voltage in the circuit. This setup is often utilized in applications where it's necessary to reduce the overall voltage provided by the sources, or when designing circuits that require specific voltage characteristics to function correctly.

For instance, if two batteries are connected in series with opposing polarities, and one battery provides 12 volts while the other provides 6 volts, the net voltage would be the difference (12 volts - 6 volts = 6 volts). Understanding this arrangement is crucial for electricians and technicians, as it plays a significant role in circuit design and troubleshooting processes.

Other orientations, such as same direction or random direction, do not correctly represent how series-opposing sources work, as these would either add voltages together or have no consistent impact on the circuit. Meanwhile, a detached scenario implies that there is no connection between the sources, which would not apply in this case.