Does Voltage Create a Physical Field Similar to Magnetic Fields from Current?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether voltage creates a physical field in a manner analogous to how current generates a magnetic field. Participants explore concepts related to electric fields, potential differences, and the nature of voltage in relation to physical fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that voltage, being a measure of electrical potential, does not produce a physical field unless electrons are flowing, as current does for magnetic fields.
  • Others argue that a potential difference does create an electric field, although they hesitate to say that the potential difference itself "produces" the field.
  • A participant mentions that an energized capacitor has a potential difference and an associated electric field, suggesting that voltage can be linked to a physical field.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that voltage is a result of an electric or magnetic field rather than a creator of such fields.
  • One participant clarifies that charge produces an electric field, which is related to voltage, paralleling the relationship between current and magnetic fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between voltage and physical fields, with no consensus reached on whether voltage creates a field or if it is merely associated with existing fields.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved nuances regarding the definitions of voltage, electric fields, and the conditions under which these concepts apply. Some participants challenge the assumptions underlying the claims made about voltage and fields.

Nav
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Does voltage produce a physical field, like how a current produces a magnetic field?
 
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Is there a field around a battery?
 
Current is a measure of flow of electrons and that produces a magnetic field.
Voltage is a measure of electrical potential, no electrons need to flow anywhere for a voltage, so no field
 
Voltage is a measure of potential or potential difference in an electric field.
If there is potential difference there is an electric field.
But I won't say that the field is "produced" by the potential difference. Both potential and intensity of the field are just quantities used to describe the field. None of them "produce" the field.
Same as matter is not produced by density or motion is not "produced" by speed.
 
rootone said:
Voltage is a measure of electrical potential, no electrons need to flow anywhere for a voltage, so no field

don't be so sure of that :wink:

an energised capacitor has a potential difference between/across the plates
it also has an electric field between the plates

Dave
 
I'm under the impression that a voltage is a result of an electric or magnetic field, not that it creates a field.
 
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Nav said:
Does voltage produce a physical field, like how a current produces a magnetic field?

Charge produces an electric field (and the associated potential, i.e. voltage), like how a current produces a magnetic field (and the associated magnetic vector potential).

(If you didn't intend "physical field" to mean "electric field", then you should explain what it means to you.)
 
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