Does a decreasing current create an induced electric field in a magnetic field?

AI Thread Summary
A decreasing current in a linear conductor induces an electric field, but this field opposes the direction of the original current due to inductive impedance. When the current diminishes, the magnetic flux changes, resulting in an electromotive force proportional to the rate of change of current. The induced electric field is present at every point in space, particularly near the conductor. This phenomenon explains why inductance can create larger sparks when a circuit is interrupted, as the induced electromotive force resists the reduction of current. The discussion highlights the complexities of electromagnetic theory and the implications of changing currents in conductive materials.
quasar987
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Hi all, I have a question.

Suppose you have a device that makes a current pass through a linear "rod":

I -->
(+)---------------------(-)

Now say you start diminishing the current at a rate -dI/dt. Does an induced electric field appears in the direction of the current?
 
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Hi,

By device do you mean a current source? i.e. a battery or such like?

The electric field will appear radially outwards from the 'rod'.

Regards

Tom
 
I was thinking more along the lines of a long straw and someone hired to blow charges in it. :smile:

When we have a current loop of inductance L and you diminish the current at a rate of -dI/dt, the magnetic flux thorugh the loop changes, and that induces an electric field which acts as an electromotive force of magnitude LdI/dt. Does the analogue happens with a linear curent? I.e. is there an induced electric field in the direction of the current?
 
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The answer is no. The induced current from the collapsing magnetic field is OPPOSITE of the direction of the electrical current in the wire which created the field. This is called inductive impeadance.
 
The answer is yes.
1) I produces a B ( except I=0 )
2) Dimishing I ( that means too : dimishing B ) pruduces an E
at EVERY point in space, specially nearly at once near the current.

BUT REMEMBER : Charges can also be Photons ( QED ) without charge.

Appendix:
I said, Weizäcker's Theory is wrong, but the American Mr. Jearl Walker says, he was right.
 
Thanks abc33333333, the contrary would have surprised me. In fact, your confirmation gave me the courage to find exactly why it is true from the maxwell's equations. From the geometry of the electrostatic field of the straight wire and the geometric definition of curl, I found that when B changes, the electric field must have a component in the direction parallel (or antiparallel) to the current, and that component must be bigger near the wire.

I was going to follow that question with one concerning the energy in the magnetic field but I found a satisfying answer.
 
quasar987

That's why inductance in a circuit create larger sparks when the circuit is cut.
The induced emf opposes the current reduction, fortunately for our world.

Michel
 
why do you say "fortunately" ?
 
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