Potential Across Two 50k Ohms Resistors in Open Circuit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential across two 50k ohm resistors connected to a battery in an open circuit configuration. Participants explore the implications of this setup on voltage and charge distribution, including a comparison with conductors in an electric field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a circuit with two 50k ohm resistors in an open circuit and asks about the potential across their terminals.
  • Another participant suggests that the potential across the open end of the resistors will equal the battery voltage, asserting that the resistors do not influence this unless a circuit is formed.
  • A later reply indicates that the potential across the cell will be the unloaded cell voltage, reiterating the previous point about the resistors' role.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for receiving an answer, though the content of the answer is not specified.
  • There is a mention of conductors in an electric field, questioning which conductor would gain more net charge when earthed, but this example is not fully clarified or explored.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the potential across the terminals relates to the battery voltage, but there is some ambiguity regarding the role of the resistors and the example involving conductors, which remains less clear.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the assumptions made about the circuit configuration and the nature of the electric field example. The discussion does not resolve the implications of the resistors in the context of charge accumulation or voltage drop without current flow.

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2 terminals of a battery are connected to 2 50k ohms resistor...but in open circuit.

i.e -

______
---------/\/\/\/\/\/---|______|--------/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/-----

______
the '/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/' are the resistors and the '|______|' is the cell wile '--------' are the wires.


What will be the potential across their terminals?

Another example of what I'm asking here is suppose we have 2 conductors submersed in a uniform electric field, one of the conductors has 50k resistance while the other has negligible; which conductor will gain more net charge when earthed?
 
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Assuming that you're referring to the open end resistor terminals in your first question, the potential will be whatever the battery voltage is. The resistors have nothing to do with it unless they form a circuit. I don't understand your example, so maybe I'm misinterpreting your question. I don't normally think in terms of conductors and resistors as having a charge unless they form a capacitor. Conductors and resistors have a voltage drop across them when there is current flow.
 
First of all...sorry for the ultra late response...I got the answer...thanks!
 
What will be the potential across their terminals?

The potential across the cell will be the unloaded cell voltage.
 

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