Is Potential Constant on a Conductor?

[Sogan]

Hi,

I consider a connected conductor. Is it right, that:

1)the potential at any point of the conductor is the same, but

2)the absolute value of the potential isn't zero in general?

I think these statements are true, but I'm not sure about it, especially with the second statement.

Thank you a lot!

Regards

 

[mfb]

1)the potential at any point of the conductor is the same

For an ideal conductor, yes.

2)the absolute value of the potential isn't zero in general?

This value has no meaning. You can define "zero" wherever you want. There are some conventions, depending on the setup, but they do not have a physical meaning themself.

 

[tiny-tim]

1)the potential at any point of the conductor is the same

For an ideal conductor, yes.

in equilibrium

(if charges are moving, ie if there is a current, then obviously there is a voltage drop along the conductor, ie an electric potential difference)

 

[Sogan]

Thank you very much! Now I understood.

 

[mfb]

(if charges are moving, ie if there is a current, then obviously there is a voltage drop along the conductor, ie an electric potential difference)

In superconductors with constant current, you have no voltage drop, even with a current flow.
If charges are accelerating, you have an electric field and therefore a voltage drop ;).