Does a Conductor Inside Another Conductor Have a Constant Potential?

In summary: Therefore, whether the conductors are connected or not, as long as they are in the same electrostatic system, they can be considered as one conductor.In summary, if a conductor B is inside another conductor A, the charges of A/B will redistribute to create a constant electric field inside both conductors. This also applies if B is inside a cavity within A. In electrostatics, resistance does not matter and the conductors can be considered as one if they are in the same system. However, if they are not electrically connected, they will have different potentials.
  • #1
GwtBc
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So the potential inside a conductor is constant. Does this mean that if there were a conductor, B, inside another conductor, A, the charges of A/B would redistribute such that the electric field inside would be zero (hence constant potential)? This seems logical but a bit too easy?

Also, if it is true, does it also hold if the second conductor is inside a cavity within the first?
 
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  • #2
Yes. The electric field inside both conductors would be zero, and therefore the potential constant. There can be an electric field between conductor A and B if they are not electrically connected (in which case they could be considered as one single conductor), and in this case A and B would be at different potentials. One being inside a cavity of the other changes nothing.
Note: This applies to electrostatics.
 
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  • #3
M Quack said:
if they are not electrically connected (in which case they could be considered as one single conductor),
Did you mean "could not be considered"? If they are electrically connected (with no resistance) they must be considered as one conductor.
 
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  • #4
connected = single conductor.
not connected = different conductors.

Sorry, I was not quite clear in my original post.
In electrostatics, resistance is futile, as there are no currents flowing.
 

1. What is a conductor inside a conductor?

A conductor inside a conductor refers to a situation where one conducting material is enclosed within another conducting material. This can occur in various contexts, such as in the design of electrical circuits or in the construction of certain types of instruments.

2. How does a conductor inside a conductor work?

In this setup, the outer conductor acts as a shield or barrier, preventing the flow of electrical current from the inner conductor to the outside. This is known as the Faraday cage effect and is used to protect sensitive equipment from external electromagnetic interference.

3. What are some examples of conductors inside conductors?

One common example is the coaxial cable, which consists of an inner copper wire surrounded by a layer of insulation and then an outer copper sheath. Another example is a guitar string, where the metal string is surrounded by a metal casing.

4. Can a conductor inside a conductor affect the flow of electricity?

Yes, the presence of a conductor inside a conductor can affect the flow of electricity. For example, the outer conductor may create capacitance with the inner conductor, which can affect the overall impedance and current flow in the system.

5. Are there any disadvantages to having a conductor inside a conductor?

One potential disadvantage is increased capacitance, which can lead to signal loss and distortion in high-frequency applications. Additionally, the use of multiple conductors can increase the complexity and cost of a design.

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