Potential Difference and flow of current

In summary, the speaker is a beginner in electrostatics and is familiar with Kirchhoff's rules/laws. However, they have a doubt about current flowing through a wire with zero potential difference. The explanation given is that it is an approximation due to the small voltage drop across the wire compared to other components. The speaker thanks the others for clarifying their doubt.
  • #1
UchihaClan13
145
12
Okay guys
I am a beginner (in electrostatics as i just started studying it)
I am thorough with kirchhoffs rules/laws
But one thing which bugs me is this doubt
So in the book that i am reading
It says that even if the potential difference is zero,current flows through a wire
I don't get how
I mean
After all isn't ΔV=IR
so ifΔV is zero and so is R doesn't that mean that I is infinity or indeterminate
I am guessing the answer's got to do with some sort of assumption/approximation
But could you guys help me out?
Help is much appreciated!:)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Could you give some context? Like what was said before that statement? Or just post a picture of the page please
 
  • #3
UchihaClan13 said:
I am guessing the answer's got to do with some sort of assumption/approximation
It's an approximation, yes. Voltage drop across the wire is so small compared to that across the components that it is taken as 0. Wires are assumed to be ideal. In practice, they do have some resistance. Superconductors are an exception, but that's a different topic.
 
  • #4
cnh1995 said:
It's an approximation, yes. Voltage drop across the wire is so small compared to that across the components that it is taken as 0. Wires are assumed to be ideal. In practice, they do have some resistance. Superconductors are an exception, but that's a different topic.
Okay
i get it
Those approximations again
Thanks for clarifying my doubt!:)
 

1. What is potential difference?

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential energy between two points in an electric circuit. It is measured in volts (V) and is responsible for the flow of electric current.

2. How is potential difference related to current?

Potential difference and current are directly related to each other. In order for current to flow, there must be a potential difference present. The higher the potential difference, the greater the flow of current.

3. How is potential difference measured?

Potential difference is measured using a voltmeter, which is connected in parallel to the circuit. The voltmeter measures the difference in electric potential between two points in the circuit and gives a reading in volts (V).

4. What is the relationship between resistance and potential difference?

Resistance is the measure of how much a material or component impedes the flow of current. The greater the resistance, the smaller the current flow for a given potential difference. This relationship is described by Ohm's Law, which states that resistance is equal to the potential difference divided by the current (R=V/I).

5. How does potential difference affect the flow of current in a circuit?

Potential difference is the driving force behind the flow of current in a circuit. When there is a higher potential difference, the electrons have more energy and can move more easily, resulting in a greater flow of current. In contrast, a lower potential difference will result in a smaller flow of current.

Similar threads

A Relationship between magnetic potential and current density in Maxwell
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
1K
Question about potential and current in potentiometer circuit
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
11
Views
2K
I Is electromotive force always equal to potential difference?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
9
Views
943
Understanding Voltage: How Potentials Differ & Flow
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
10
Views
1K
I How a Battery creates a Potential difference in an electrical current
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
14
Views
3K
I An attempt to understand the associated variable conventions in circuits
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
823
I Explaining Current Behavior in an LC Circuit
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
6
Views
1K
I Is this example incorrect in Agawal's book on electric circuits?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
841
Electromotive Force, Batteries, Resistors, and Potential Differences
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
17
Views
1K
I Can current flow in an open circuit?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top