What Difference Does Voltage Level Make to An Atom?

[abrogard]

We could have a copper wire at 10,000 V above a copper plate at 0V.

At the end of the wire, one atom of copper. Beneath it: one atom of copper.

What is the difference between the two atoms because of this voltage difference?

Conventionally the current flows from positive to negative. But we know the electrons flow from negative to positive. So another way to put the question: what is different about the 29 electrons in the base plate rather than the 29 electrons in the copper wire atom?

Or is the voltage - for argument's sake a massive potential of say 20,000V - external to the electrons and something that pushes them? Then what and where?

 

[jbriggs444]

Or is the voltage - for argument's sake a massive potential of say 20,000V - external to the electrons and something that pushes them?

That is it. It is external.

Then what and where?

You stipulated it as part of the scenario setup.

 

[abrogard]

I don't understand. Can you be clearer? I only stipulated a voltage and the query is what effect that voltage on the atom - meaning within the atom giving rise to a difference between that atom and an atom at zero volts.

So you're saying there's no difference between the two atoms?

 

[jbriggs444]

I only stipulated a voltage and the query is what effect that voltage on the atom

You asked, [paraphrasing]: "If the voltage is external to the electrons then what is it and where".

And yes, the answer is that there is no difference. Potential difference between two points has no local effect at either point. Only local gradients in the potential are physically meaningful.

 

[abrogard]

That's that question satisfied, then. If 'point' can mean 'atom'. So onto the next question. Which should have a new thread I think.

Thank you.