What Happens to Current in an Ideal Circuit with Zero Resistance?

In summary, the conversation discusses the theoretical scenario of an ideal battery with zero internal resistance connected to a conductor with no resistance. The current in this circuit would be infinite, but this is not a physically possible situation. Therefore, Kirchhoff's voltage law cannot be applied and the thread is closed.
  • #1
swap1996
10
0
If an ideal battery of zero internal resistance is connected to a conductor having no resistance, what should be the current through the circuit (as in schematic) ?
 

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  • #2
swap1996 said:
If an ideal battery of zero internal resistance is connected to a conductor having no resistance, what should be the current through the circuit (as in schematic) ?

The question is meaningless, really. It would be infinite current, but so what? It is not a physical situation.
 
  • #3
The ideal voltage source defines the voltage at its terminals to be V. If the conductor connecting its terminals has zero resistance, the voltage between its ends is zero.

I would say, if V is nonzero, the current through the voltage source is undefined.
 
  • #4
berkeman said:
The question is meaningless, really. It would be infinite current, but so what? It is not a physical situation.

No doubt its not a physical situation but at least it is a proper theoretical case which can be considered from a theoretical point of view....in that case I have some questions...how can Kirchhoff's voltage law be applied to this circuit...
 
  • #5
swap1996 said:
No doubt its not a physical situation but at least it is a proper theoretical case which can be considered from a theoretical point of view....in that case I have some questions...how can Kirchhoff's voltage law be applied to this circuit...

It cannot, because the premise is nonsense. We do not waste people's time here at the PF with threads that start with a false premise. Thread is closed.
 

1. What is current in an ideal circuit?

Current in an ideal circuit is the flow of electric charge through a closed loop. It is measured in amperes (A) and is represented by the symbol "I".

2. How is current affected by voltage in an ideal circuit?

In an ideal circuit, the current is directly proportional to the voltage. This means that as the voltage increases, the current also increases, and vice versa.

3. What is the difference between AC and DC current in an ideal circuit?

In an ideal circuit, AC (alternating current) is the flow of electric charge that changes direction periodically, while DC (direct current) is the flow of electric charge in one direction. Most household appliances use AC while batteries use DC.

4. Can current flow through an ideal circuit without any resistance?

Yes, in an ideal circuit, current can flow without any resistance. This is because an ideal circuit is assumed to have zero resistance, which allows for the free and uninterrupted flow of electric charge.

5. How is current affected by the components in an ideal circuit?

The components in an ideal circuit, such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors, can affect the flow of current. Resistors, for example, can decrease the current by creating a resistance to the flow of charge, while capacitors and inductors can store and release electric charge, causing changes in the current over time.

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