Voltage Sources and Series Resistor

[geratheg]

Shown in the attachments is a circuit with the ground given, I hope I converted it to the second circuit correctly with the ground in the correct location of the circuit. I would like to know what the voltage across the resistor is?

Since the ground is there I would assume 0V. If ground wasn't labeled, I would choose 5V. Which voltage is correct with ground there?

Thanks!

[Rufus]

The voltage across the resistor is 5v  (+5 if the resistor polarity markings mean something). Where or if a ground is connected to the circuit makes no difference.

[geratheg]

Doesn't connecting the ground to the other side of the circuit the same thing as connecting the negative there, thus causing a short?

[Rufus]

Doesn't connecting the ground to the other side of the circuit the same thing as connecting the negative there, thus causing a short?

Current flows in loops. Your circuit has one loop. A ground symbol implies a connection to the earth. That doesn't create another loop so the current in your circuit is not changed regardless of if or where the ground is connected.

In more complex circuits it is common to call one of the nodes ground (without it actually needing it to be connected to the earth). Voltages in the circuit are often stated and measured with respect to that ground. The node you call ground doesn't change the circuit but does change voltages measured with respect to ground. You just asked what the voltage across the resistor was.

[geratheg]

Thank you for the response.

I didn't realize DC circuits can have an earth ground and always assumed the ground was actually the negative battery terminal.

Thanks for the help.