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I use delta_V to represent potential differences. Some of the
things I say about potential differences are not true about
absolute potentials (which I represent by V).
That what confused me. The standard notation is symbol V
(or the corresponding Greek symbol used by Feynman) for
a difference of potential. I would probably not be confused
if another symbol, such as A or B, was used for the "absolute
potential".
Any speck of dust can be a reference to which you would
attach the black lead of a voltmeter; I am more comfortable
with a grounded chassis or with "infinity". The "infinity"
is not the best term, I prefer to say "a conductive enclosure."
The far-away enclosure has an advantage that its shape and
size are not significant. That is what the word infinity stand
for, in my mind.
I am trying to explain my confusion, not to argue
about a powerful new concept of gauge. I would like to know what
other teachers think about that concept. I was not familiar with it;
would this concept be useful in an introductory physics course?