I need to know what is reversed polarity for a class I am taking

Context?

I agree with KISS. It depends on the context or application.

If this is a class shouldn't they teach you instead of you finding out on your own? :confused:

Maybe start by defining what normal polarity is for yourself, then reverse it, and there is the answer.

I'll play deviils advocate here. Suppose I have a 100 W edison base lamp.

1. Is there a polarity?

a) The answer is no because the light lights if line and neutral are reversed. b) the answer is yes because the screw part of the base should be wired to Neutral to minimize shock.

I gave to perfectly good answers. Both in different contexts. Depending on the context, the answer is different.

A DC motor may be defined as having a + and - terminal and when voltage is applied in that manner, it operates counter clockwise. Suppose it it in a piece of equipment where it rotates clockwise when the poloarity is reversed.
So, revered polarity is NORMAL for the motor. The "Motor is wired incorretly is a better term" if the machine operated in the opposite direction as intended.

Usually we speack of "reversed polarity" is line and neutral switched or in the wrong expected places.

This is one of those questions that must be asked within the context of the class.

Some cases of "reversed polarity" let out the "magic smoke"