Potential Difference and flow of current

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of potential difference and current flow in electrostatics, particularly addressing the scenario where the potential difference is stated to be zero while current still flows through a wire. Participants explore the implications of Ohm's Law and the assumptions made in practical applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how current can flow when the potential difference is zero, referencing Ohm's Law (ΔV=IR) and questioning the implications of zero resistance.
  • Another participant requests additional context or a visual reference to better understand the original statement regarding potential difference.
  • Some participants propose that the situation involves an approximation where the voltage drop across the wire is negligible compared to that across other components, suggesting that wires are treated as ideal in theoretical discussions.
  • It is noted that in practical scenarios, wires do have some resistance, and superconductors are mentioned as exceptions to typical resistance behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the discussion involves approximations regarding ideal wires and resistance, but there is no consensus on the implications of zero potential difference in relation to current flow.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights assumptions made in theoretical models, such as ideal wire behavior and the negligible voltage drop across wires compared to components, without resolving the implications of these assumptions.

UchihaClan13
Messages
145
Reaction score
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
Could you give some context? Like what was said before that statement? Or just post a picture of the page please
 
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.
 
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!:)
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Is the current related to a path or to potential difference?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Graduate Relationship between magnetic potential and current density in Maxwell
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Question about potential and current in potentiometer circuit
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Undergrad Is electromotive force always equal to potential difference?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad How a Battery creates a Potential difference in an electrical current
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
High School Understanding Voltage: How Potentials Differ & Flow
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
High School Found a circuit where current is zero across an ohmic device (dV>0)
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School Some Questions about Electric Current/Capacitors to help my understanding
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad How is Potential Difference Created in Electrolytes?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
Undergrad DC current flows in a wire when two loops are brought close by?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K