Charge Density of a Voltage Pulse

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

A single, short negative voltage pulse propagating down a long wire in a closed circuit will indeed create a corresponding negative charge density within the conductor. This phenomenon occurs as the pulse travels, resulting in a temporary bunching of electrons, despite the effect being minimal. The discussion clarifies that while the pulse may resemble the propagation of radio waves, it inherently influences electron density in the conductor.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electrical circuits
  • Familiarity with charge density concepts
  • Knowledge of electron behavior in conductors
  • Understanding of voltage pulse characteristics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of charge density in conductors
  • Explore the behavior of voltage pulses in electrical circuits
  • Learn about electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Investigate the effects of transient signals on electron movement
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in the behavior of voltage pulses and charge density in conductive materials.

deathcloset
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
If I make a single, short (GHZ) negative voltage pulse propagate down a long, single wire which forms a closed circuit, will there be a corresponding negative charge density in the conductor (shown as bunched-up green electrons) which propagates with the pulse?

KWzyVjT.jpg
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Not in a relevant amount, but in principle, yes.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Thank you for the reply.

I was curious if the pulse would just propagate through the conductor like radio waves though space - without the need for or effect on electrons, but I just couldn't see there being this potential at some point in a conductor without an effect on the density of electrons in that region, however small that region or minuscule that density might be.

It's just a curiosity, but I didn't know!

Thanks again :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K