Electric potential and conducting wire

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of electric potential in two connected spheres of different radii, specifically why their electric potentials equalize when connected by a conducting wire. The scope includes conceptual understanding and reasoning related to electric potential and current flow in conductors.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the behavior of electric potential when two spheres of different radii are connected by a conducting wire.
  • There is a suggestion that a potential difference exists initially between the spheres, prompting questions about the subsequent behavior of the system.
  • One participant proposes that electrons move from the higher potential sphere to the lower potential sphere.
  • Another participant suggests that this movement of electrons results in a decrease in the higher potential, contributing to the equalization of potential between the spheres.
  • A comparison is made to a parallel-plate capacitor discharging through a resistor, implying a similar process occurs in the spheres.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus, as participants express uncertainty about the exact processes involved and the implications of the electron movement on potential differences.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully explore the underlying assumptions regarding the initial conditions of the spheres or the specifics of the electric potential distribution. The discussion lacks resolution on the detailed mechanisms at play.

Hardik Batra
Messages
130
Reaction score
5
There are two sphere of radius a and b and they are connected by conducting wire. Then why the electric potential becomes same of both the sphere?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hardik Batra said:
There are two sphere of radius a and b and they are connected by conducting wire. Then why the electric potential becomes same of both the sphere?

Let's say there was a small potential difference initially between the spheres when you connected them with the conducting wire. What happens next?
 
I don't know what happens next that was I am asking to you. Why potential becomes same?
 
Hardik Batra said:
I don't know what happens next that was I am asking to you. Why potential becomes same?

And I'm asking you -- when you have a potential difference across a conducting wire's ends, what happens? Approximate the wire as a 1 Ohm resistor for simplicity. What is Ohm's Law?
 
I think electron will move from higher potential to lower potential.
 
Hardik Batra said:
I think electron will move from higher potential to lower potential.

Good! What does that electron movement do to the overall potential difference between the two spheres?
 
Electron moving from higher potential it will release the energy and higher potential decrease?
 
Hardik Batra said:
Electron moving from higher potential it will release the energy and higher potential decrease?

Correct, the potential decreases. Just think of the 2 spheres as the 2 plates of a parallel-plate capacitor. When you have a charged-up capacitor, and you connect a resistor across the terminals of the capacitor, the capacitor discharges through the resistor until there is 0 Volts across the capacitor (so the plates are at the same potential).

Does that make sense?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person

Similar threads

High School Thought Experiment on Charge Carriers and Electrical Conduction
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
965
Graduate Finding potential of a dipole outside of a sphere
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Can the A and φ potentials be fixed in a region of space?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
Undergrad Does potential drop when a charge flows through a wire w/ 0 resistance?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Do valence electrons determine electrical conductivity?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
High School Magnetic field produced by an electric current
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Why Does Grounding Imply Zero Electric Potential in the Method of Images?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad Will insulation on electric power lines affect the flow of power?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad Electric Field Shielding by Conducting Sheets
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Electric field in a circuit with a DC source
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
11K