Is the current related to a path or to potential difference?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between electric current and potential difference, specifically whether current is dependent on a closed path or if a potential difference can exist without one. The conversation touches on concepts related to direct current (DC) and includes considerations of circuit behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that current is related to a closed path and questions if potential difference can exist without one, using the example of a battery maintaining a potential difference.
  • Another participant argues that touching the positive terminal of a battery while grounded does not create a steady current, stating that the potential difference exists only between the battery's terminals.
  • A participant seeks clarification on whether the discussion is limited to direct current (DC) and low-frequency circuits or includes high-frequency circuits as well.
  • Another participant asserts that in DC circuits, both a closed path and potential differences can exist independently, indicating that the relationship is not strictly either-or.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between current and potential difference, with some asserting that a closed path is necessary for current flow, while others propose that potential differences can exist without a closed path. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the conditions under which potential differences and current flow are considered, and there is ambiguity regarding the implications of high-frequency circuits versus direct current.

lukka98
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TL;DR
Is the current related to a path or to potential difference?
The question is very simple: Is the flow of charge, or current, related to a closed path or there will be a potential difference without closed path to allowing the flow?
I mean, If I have a battery that maintain 5V of potential difference through its terminal, I believe there is an amount of negative charge on the negative terminal and positive in the positive, and when I connect to a wire electron whithin conductor are simply shoved toward the positive terminal, and so on the chemical reaction recharged negative terminal and again.

But If I touch the positive poles of a battery, whit the negative not connected to nothing, and with feet on the ground without insulation, the current flow from Earth to the positive poles until they are at the same potential? Because there is a potential difference I think, for example in the fault protection, If the ground wire is required, there is a flow current from the positive to ground ( vacation flow) only until they are at the same potential? And then so then I am at the same potential of the thing I touch and there is no problem?
 
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lukka98 said:
But If I touch the positive poles of a battery, whit the negative not connected to nothing, and with feet on the ground without insulation, the current flow from Earth to the positive poles until they are at the same potential? Because there is a potential difference I think
There is not. The potential difference is between the poles of the battery, not between Earth and positive pole. Touching that (or even: connecting a fat conducting wire to earth) does not cause a steady current.

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lukka98 said:
Summary:: Is the current related to a path or to potential difference?

Is the flow of charge, or current, related to a closed path or there will be a potential difference without closed path to allowing the flow?
Are you considering only DC and low frequency or are you considering very high frequency circuits too.
 
Dale said:
Are you considering only DC and low frequency or are you considering very high frequency circuits too.
Only DC current, like battery.
 
lukka98 said:
Summary:: Is the current related to a path or to potential difference?

Is the flow of charge, or current, related to a closed path or there will be a potential difference without closed path to allowing the flow?
At DC this is not an either-or situation. Both are true. Current is related to a closed path. There are potential differences without closed paths.
 
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