Does a wire in a closed circuit induce a voltage on itself?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of voltage induction in a wire within a closed circuit, particularly in relation to Faraday's Law and the effects of changing magnetic fields. Participants explore the implications of current flow, magnetic field changes, and the resulting induced electric fields in both DC and AC circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that a changing magnetic field induces an electric field, which can lead to current flow in a nearby wire, referencing Faraday's Law.
  • Others clarify that this induction occurs only when the magnetic field is changing over time, and that the induced current may either oppose or add to the original current, as described by Lenz's law.
  • One participant questions whether the magnetic field in a closed circuit changes continuously due to non-steady current, suggesting that this could lead to induction effects.
  • Another participant notes that in a perfect circuit, closing the circuit would result in a rapidly increasing magnetic field, potentially inducing current.
  • There is a mention of AC circuits, where participants discuss the oscillation of current and magnetic fields, suggesting that this would lead to continuous induction of current.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions under which induction occurs, particularly regarding the nature of current flow in DC versus AC circuits. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent and implications of these induction effects.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference concepts such as inductance and inductive reactance, but do not fully resolve the mathematical or conceptual details surrounding these terms. The discussion also highlights assumptions about circuit behavior that may not be universally applicable.

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According to Faraday's Law a changing magnetic field induces an electric field, an example of this is if you have a wire close enough to another wire with current flowing through it the first wire will also have current run through it because of the induced electric field by the second wire.

As current runs through a wire in a closed circuit a magnetic field is created around the wire, so doesn't that mean that that same magnetic field will induce an electric field which will create more current in the wire? If it does, then is the new current opposing the original current or adding to it?
 
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Only when the magnetic field is changing in time (increasing or decreasing).
It may oppose or add. See "inductance" and "Lenz's law".
 
But in the real world when current runs through a closed circuit doesn't the magnetic field constantly change due to a never steady current, just by extremely small amounts?

And in a perfect circuit, if the circuit is initially open but then you close it won't the magnetic field increase as current first travels through the circuit (extremely fast of course)?

If either of those are right, wouldn't the changing magnetic field induce a current to oppose or add to the original current?

EDIT: If you were using an AC power source, wouldn't the current and the magnetic field constantly be oscillating? So then this would constantly induce current, right?
 
Last edited:
In a DC circuit you will have this effect when you turn ON or OFF the power.
In an AC circuit you will have this induced emf whose effect is described by the "inductive reactance". Look up these terms for more information.
 

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