Voltage difference and distance between wires

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between voltage difference and the distance between wires in a circuit, specifically in the context of ideal wires and direct current (DC) sources. Participants explore the implications of changing distances between wires on potential difference, considering various assumptions about the circuit setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the potential difference V2 is less than V1 based on a provided diagram, which lacks clarity.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for complete information and proper forum etiquette when posting homework questions.
  • A participant proposes that if the distance between wires increases, the potential difference may decrease, prompting further inquiry.
  • Concerns are raised about the assumptions in the circuit setup, including whether the wires are ideal and if inductance should be considered.
  • One participant clarifies that assuming ideal wires (with zero resistance), the distance between wires does not affect the potential difference.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the impact of wire distance on potential difference, with some arguing that it does not change under the assumption of ideal wires, while others question the assumptions made in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of assumptions in circuit analysis, including the treatment of wires as ideal and the potential effects of inductance, which remain unresolved.

ZPlayer
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Hi, Everyone,

Just a quick question. In the diagram on this link, is V2 < V1 ?
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/4789/schemaep1.jpg

Thanks.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Welcome to PF, ZPlayer.

Your diagram is meaningless, because it contains no information about what the lines mean. If you post a homework question here:

1) You must post the entire question, exactly as it was given to you.
2) You must post in the correct forum (not this one).
3) You must show your work and explain where you are stuck. Only then will you receive help.

- Warren
 
Basically my question is the following. Suppose the positive and negative poles of DC source are connected to wires. If the distance between wires increases, will the potential difference between the wires decrease?
 
Does the circuit setup consist only of wires? Are these wires treated as ideal wires, with zero resistance? Do you want to take inductance into account? I don't know the assumptions you're making in the circuit setup, so clearly the answer to your question will depend on what you assume.
 
Yeah, basically I was thinking about ideal wires (R == 0.) The question is whether potential difference between any two given points on the circuit will change in case if these points are moved further (or closer) apart without disrupting the configuration of the circuit.
 
If you're using ideal wires, then clearly the distance in between the wires doesn't change anything.
 

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