Can Zero Electric Potential Prove No Current Flow in a Connected Wire?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of electric potential and current flow in a wire connected between two points of equal potential. Participants explore the implications of having no potential difference and how that relates to current flow in electrical circuits, including references to resistors and Kirchhoff's laws.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to prove that no current flows in a wire connected between two points of equal potential, using an example with resistors and currents.
  • Some participants assert that if two points have the same potential, no current will flow, drawing analogies to water flow requiring a slope.
  • Others emphasize the importance of potential difference over potential itself, suggesting that current flow is contingent on this difference.
  • There are claims that Kirchhoff's current law is violated in the scenario described, prompting requests for detailed explanations.
  • One participant discusses the concept of charge distribution and how excess charge creates potential difference, while another questions the clarity of the circuit description provided.
  • Several participants express confusion about whether current will flow given differing currents in connected resistors, with some suggesting that additional circuit details are necessary for clarity.
  • Another participant argues that the question of current flow is obvious if the potentials are equal, while others challenge this notion by discussing the role of the entire circuit configuration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that no current flows when there is no potential difference between two points. However, there are competing views regarding the implications of charge distribution and the necessity of additional circuit context to fully understand current flow.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for clarity in circuit descriptions and the role of potential difference in determining current flow. There are unresolved questions about the specific configurations of the circuit and how they affect the flow of current.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying electrical engineering, physics, or anyone seeking to understand the principles of electric potential and current flow in circuits.

  • #61
How about this: A river flows from the mountains to the sea. Why? because the river elevation is higher in the mountains, and water flows downhill. Now along the river there is an island, which splits the river into two streams for awhile, before they rejoin at the downstream end of the island. If you dig a ditch across the island, will water flow in the ditch? It might, but only if one end of the ditch is lower than the other end - because water flows downhill.

In your circuit, where you add the wire, the "elevation" (or potential) is the same at both ends, there is no current because the wire doesn't lead downhill.

I'm almost afraid to post this, I hope it doesn't stir up more confusion.
 
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  • #62
I don't like the river analogy. The motion of a fluid is astronomically more complicated than a couple of Kirchoff laws. If people don't have a conceptual understanding of electricity then they should buy a battery a voltmeter and a load of cables to see how it works
 
  • #63
mikeph said:
I don't like the river analogy. The motion of a fluid is astronomically more complicated than a couple of Kirchoff laws. If people don't have a conceptual understanding of electricity then they should buy a battery a voltmeter and a load of cables to see how it works

I'm inclined to agree with you. Water, in so many ways, is a rubbish model for electricity and leads got all sorts of misconceptions. (I know: "Change the record" - but it's true.)
 
  • #64
For a easy explanation, i wish you can understand :smile:
When there is a temperature difference between two bodies then the heat will flow from higher heated body to lower heated body.
If the temperature of both bodies are same(there is no temperature difference)
Then the heat will not flow.
Is it helps ?
 

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