Voltage & Charged Rod: Common Misconceptions Explained

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A charged rod cannot have a voltage expressed in amperes, as voltage is measured in volts, not amps. Voltage indicates a potential difference between two points, which requires differing charges, while current is the flow of charge measured in amperes. The discussion clarifies that a magnet does not have electrical voltage but can exhibit a magnetic potential due to its poles. The confusion arises from mixing concepts of voltage and current, highlighting the importance of understanding these fundamental electrical principles. The conversation ultimately reinforces the distinction between electrical and magnetic potentials.
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Homework Statement


What is wrong with this statement: A charged rod has a voltage of 0.50 A through it. Explain your answer.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


A charged rod cannot have a voltage through it and voltage is not measured in A. Right? I know that to have a voltage, there must be a potential difference determined by two different charges. But what if the rod was a magnet? Would there be a voltage through a magnet?
 
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You're right, voltage is not measured in Amps. Current is. Is this supposed to be a trick question, or is it just to see if you are paying attention?
 
I don't know (?). Is it a trick question? :biggrin:
 
I think the only problem with the statement is the Amps bit. You're right that for there to be a potential difference you need a difference in charge, but if all the charge in the rod were at one end it could have a potential difference across it.

Magnetic "voltage" is different to electric voltage. You're right that a bar magnet would, in a sense, have a magnetic potential across it as it has two poles.
 
Thank you. That clarifies my understand of voltage, finally.
 
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