!Measuring Currents in a Circuit w/ Semiconductor

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on measuring currents in a circuit that includes a current source, an ammeter, a switch, and a semiconductor. The key point is that when the circuit is switched off rapidly, the total current measured by the ammeter becomes zero, as the conduction current must cancel the displacement current in the semiconductor. This scenario highlights the relationship between conduction and displacement currents in dielectrics, confirming that they can be equal and opposite in sign to achieve a net current of zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of semiconductor physics and behavior
  • Knowledge of conduction and displacement currents
  • Familiarity with circuit components such as ammeters and current sources
  • Basic principles of electric fields and their dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of displacement current in dielectrics
  • Learn about the operation and characteristics of ammeters in circuits
  • Research the effects of rapid switching on current measurements
  • Explore semiconductor behavior under varying electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physics students, and anyone involved in circuit design or analysis, particularly those focusing on semiconductor applications and current measurement techniques.

Dor
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If so, what will I measure in the Ampermeter, the zero total current or the value of the conduction current?

I was thinking of the following example- a circuit consist of a current source, an Ampermeter, a switch, and a semiconductor. The semiconductor can have both conduction and displacement currents since it is a dielectric conductor. At some point in time I'm switching off the circuit (infintly fast) and so the current at the outer circuit is zero. The electric field will change in time thus there will be a displacement current. To make the total current zero, the conduction current needs to cancel the displacement current. Is this description true? Thanks
 
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I think your title
"Can the displacement current be equal to and opposite in sign to the c"
has been truncated. So, it might seem [at a quick glance] that you are asking about the speed of light, c.

I think the full title is something like
"Can the displacement current be equal to and opposite in sign to the conduction current?"
 
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Sorry Dale and thank you robphy for drewing my attention. I've edited the title to a more reasonable one
 
No problem! Since my post was based on a mistaken understanding I have deleted it.
 
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