Electric Field really constant in a wire?

In summary, the assumption of a constant electric field through a wire connected to a parallel plate capacitor may not hold true in reality due to impurities in the wire. However, for practical applications, it is generally safe to assume a constant field throughout the wire.
  • #1
MotoPayton
96
0
How close is this assumption to reality.

Take for example a parallel plate capacitor with charge Q and -Q. Connect to the outside of the plates a wire with resistance R.

As the electrons move from the -Q plate along the half loop to the +Q plate would they not experience a electric field starting at a maximum, decreasing to a minimum and then back to a maximum.
 
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  • #2
in reality the wire could have many impurities spread throughout which would add to its resistance. This is the reason wires are relatively thin, it is likely that the impurities are random in this case and it would come down the statistical distributions etc. But for most practical applications is safe to assume that yes it will be constant.

the field through the wire which you described i think is correct for a full cycle of the capacitor, i.e discharge plate 1, charging plate 2, discharging plate 2 charging plate 1.
 

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a region in space where an electrically charged particle will experience a force. It is created by a charged object and can be either positive or negative.

2. How is an electric field measured?

An electric field is measured in units of force per charge, which is represented by newtons per coulomb. This means that for every unit of charge, a certain amount of force is exerted on that charge by the electric field.

3. Is an electric field really constant in a wire?

No, an electric field is not always constant in a wire. It depends on factors such as the type of wire, the material it is made of, and the presence of other charges or fields in the surrounding area.

4. Why is an electric field important in a wire?

An electric field in a wire is important because it is what allows electricity to flow through the wire. The electric field creates a force that pushes the electrons in the wire, allowing them to move and create an electric current.

5. How does the strength of an electric field change in a wire?

The strength of an electric field can change in a wire depending on the distance from the wire and the amount of charge present. It also decreases as the wire gets longer, as the electric field is spread out over a larger area.

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