Electric field from a wire with a stationary current

[Niles]

Homework Statement

Hi all.

I I have a wire, and a stationary current I runs through it, then an electric field E1 runs inside the wire in the same direction as the current.

If we look at a point P a vertical distance s from the wire, does P get affected by an electric field from the wire? If yes, is this the same field as when the wire just has a uniform charge spread over it?

 

[lzkelley]

if the current is constant, i don't think there will be any electric field outside of the wire. You'll have a constant magnetic field (constant - so it doesn't generate an electric field)... and because the wire is still electrically neutral from an outside observer - there will be no E-field.

 

[Niles]

That makes sence, thanks.