Non-Conservative Electric Field

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between potential drop and conservative electric field in circuits with an inductor. The article referenced by the speaker suggests that the concept of potential drop was introduced to simplify the study of circuits. It is mentioned that the non-conservative field of an inductor only needs to be considered when dealing with a small number of windings. The speaker also clarifies that there is no need for concern when dealing with a large number of windings. The question remains why the potential drop is related to the non-conservative field when it is traditionally linked to the conservative field.
  • #1
tonyjk
227
3
Hello,
Please I would like to know why in a circuit that contains an inductor we say that the potential drop across the inductor is equal to the integral of a Conservative electric field meanwhile we know that the electric field is non-conservative across an inductor.
Thank you
 
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  • #3
Here is a great lecture to confuse you some more.


But I can tell you that you only ever have to worry about the non conservative field of an inductor when you are dealing with a very small number of windings. An inductor with a large number of windings should never show any "weird" behavior.
 
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  • #4
I'm not worry:P.. But i was asking why the potential drop is related to the non-conservative field although we know the potential drop is related to the conservative field..
 
  • #5
for your question. In a circuit containing an inductor, we often use the concept of a conservative electric field to describe the potential drop across the inductor. This is because in an ideal circuit, the electric field is assumed to be conservative, meaning that the work done by the electric field on a charged particle is independent of the path taken. However, in reality, the electric field across an inductor is non-conservative due to the changing magnetic field created by the changing current in the inductor. This non-conservative electric field results in a potential drop across the inductor, which is equal to the integral of the conservative electric field. This concept is useful for understanding the behavior of circuits, but it is important to note that in real-world circuits, there may be other factors at play that contribute to the potential drop across an inductor.
 

1. What is a Non-Conservative Electric Field?

A Non-Conservative Electric Field is an electric field that does not follow the principles of conservative forces. In conservative fields, the work done by the field on a particle moving along a closed path is zero. However, in non-conservative fields, the work done on a particle depends on the path taken. This means that the amount of work done by the field on a particle will differ depending on the starting and ending points of the particle's path.

2. How is a Non-Conservative Electric Field different from a Conservative Electric Field?

A Conservative Electric Field follows the principle of conservative forces, meaning that the work done by the field on a particle is independent of the path taken. In contrast, a Non-Conservative Electric Field does not follow this principle and the work done on a particle depends on the path taken. This can be seen in the equation for electric potential, where a conservative field has a scalar potential function while a non-conservative field does not.

3. What are some examples of Non-Conservative Electric Fields?

One example of a Non-Conservative Electric Field is the electric field generated by a changing magnetic field, known as Faraday's Law. Another example is the electric field generated by a changing electric field, known as Maxwell's Correction to Ampere's Law. In both of these cases, the work done on a charged particle will depend on the path taken due to the changing fields.

4. How does a Non-Conservative Electric Field affect the motion of charged particles?

In a Non-Conservative Electric Field, the motion of charged particles will not follow a predictable path since the work done on the particle will depend on the path taken. This can result in the particle experiencing a net force in a direction other than the direction of the electric field, causing it to move in a curved path. Additionally, the particle may experience non-uniform acceleration due to the changing electric field.

5. What are the practical applications of Non-Conservative Electric Fields?

Non-Conservative Electric Fields have various practical applications in industries such as electronics, telecommunications, and power systems. They are used in devices such as transformers, generators, and motors. Additionally, understanding Non-Conservative Electric Fields is crucial for the development of advanced technologies, such as wireless power transfer and electromagnetic propulsion systems.

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