Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the existence of tunneling current between closely spaced capacitor plates at moderate voltages, the implications of such a current on capacitor energy, and the conditions under which electrons might traverse a vacuum between capacitor plates without tunneling. The scope includes theoretical considerations and speculative models related to quantum mechanics and electrical behavior in capacitors.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose that a tunneling current will exist between capacitor plates at moderate voltages due to the absence of infinite barriers.
- One participant suggests that the tunneling current will deplete the capacitor's energy at a very slow rate, attributing this depletion to radiation.
- There is a mention of the potential for increased current generation through physical movement of the capacitor.
- Another participant questions whether, under extreme voltages and without dielectrics, electrons can break through a vacuum to reach the positive plate even if tunneling does not occur.
- One participant speculates that the tunneling current might resemble thermally generated currents or osmotic currents, and suggests the possibility of modeling tunneling effects using quantum mechanics.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the nature and implications of tunneling currents, with some agreeing on the existence of such currents while others raise questions about specific conditions and behaviors. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of electron behavior in vacuum and the exact nature of tunneling currents.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include assumptions about the conditions under which tunneling occurs, the definitions of energy depletion mechanisms, and the lack of consensus on the behavior of electrons in vacuum at high voltages.
