Is There an Electric Field Inside a Cylindrical Conductor with a Steady Current?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

When a steady current flows through a cylindrical conductor, an electric field exists within the conductor. The relationship between electric field (E), potential difference (V), and distance (x) is defined by the equation -E.dx = dV. This indicates that a potential difference across the length of the conductor generates an electric field, which is essential for the movement of electrons that produce current. Therefore, the presence of an electric field is confirmed as necessary for current flow in cylindrical conductors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and potential difference
  • Familiarity with Ohm's Law and current flow
  • Basic knowledge of cylindrical conductors in electromagnetism
  • Proficiency in applying calculus to physics equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between electric fields and current density in conductors
  • Learn about the derivation of Ohm's Law in cylindrical conductors
  • Explore the concept of drift velocity and its relation to electric fields
  • Investigate the effects of temperature on conductivity in cylindrical conductors
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electromagnetism and current flow in conductors.

Abhishekdas
Messages
198
Reaction score
0
Electric current...

Homework Statement


When a steady current passes through a cylindrical conductor , is there an electric field inside the conductor?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


How do i approach this...? I mean i know -E.dx = dV in electrostatics...So going by that here current is flowing so there is ome potential difference and so there should be a field given by -V/x ehre V is PD and x is length of wire...IS this right?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


yes there is electric field.
this is very simple as if there was no field ... why would the electrons move to produce current?
 


Ya...so is my explanation correct?
 

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
23
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K