Displacement Current: Difference & Example

In summary, there is no direct relationship between displacement current and conduction current. The term "displacement current" is misleading as it is not an actual current, but rather a part of the Ampere-Maxwell Law. This law states that the sum of the curl of the magnetic field and the time derivative of the electric field is equal to the current density. The source of the electromagnetic field is charge and current densities. More context is needed to provide an example where the two currents are equal.
  • #1
arvindsharma
21
0
Is displacement current always equals to conduction current?if not then can anyone give me an example for it?if yes,then can anyone prove it?
 
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  • #2
The socalled "displacement current" is a misnomer. It's not a current but it's simply part of one of Maxwell's equations, the Ampere-Maxwell Law, which reads in Heaviside-Lorentz units
$$\vec{\nabla} \times \vec{B}-\frac{1}{c} \partial_t \vec{E}=\frac{1}{c} \vec{j}.$$
This is the "microscopic form" of the law, and ##\vec{j}## is the total current density.

The source of the electromagnetic field are charge and current densities.
 
  • #3
I think you should tell us some details about the context or background or origin of your question. Do you have a specific example in mind, where the two currents are equal?
 

1. What is displacement current?

Displacement current is a phenomenon in electromagnetism where a changing electric field can create a magnetic field, even in the absence of a current-carrying conductor. It is represented by the symbol Id and was first described by James Clerk Maxwell in his theory of electromagnetism.

2. What is the difference between displacement current and conduction current?

The main difference between displacement current and conduction current is that conduction current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor, while displacement current is the change in electric flux through a surface. Conduction current is associated with the motion of electrons or ions, while displacement current is caused by a changing electric field.

3. How is displacement current related to Maxwell's equations?

Displacement current is included in Maxwell's equations as a correction term to Ampere's law, which describes the relationship between electric current and magnetic fields. This addition was necessary to accurately describe the behavior of electromagnetic waves and to maintain the principle of conservation of charge.

4. Can you provide an example of displacement current?

One example of displacement current is the charging of a capacitor. When a voltage is applied to the capacitor, the electric field between the plates changes and creates a displacement current, even though no actual current is flowing through the capacitor. This displacement current is responsible for the buildup of charge on the plates of the capacitor.

5. What are the practical applications of displacement current?

Displacement current has various practical applications, including in the operation of antennas, capacitors, and transformers. It is also a key concept in the generation and propagation of electromagnetic waves, which are used in communication systems. Additionally, displacement current is essential in the study and understanding of various phenomena in electromagnetism and plays a crucial role in the design of electronic devices.

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