Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the characteristics of the electric field (E field) in real circuits, particularly focusing on the differences between idealized circuits and those with non-zero resistance in the wires. Participants explore the implications of resistance on the E field's behavior inside and outside of wires and resistors, as well as the relationship between the E field and current direction.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that the E field in a circuit with real (non-zero resistance) wires would still resemble that of an idealized circuit, but with additional E field components inside the wires.
- Others argue that if the resistance of the wires is not small compared to the resistance of the resistor, the E field lines are not orthogonal to the wires anymore.
- A participant questions why the E field lines inside the wires would point in the same direction as the current, suggesting it may be due to charge buildup during transient states.
- Another participant asserts that the E field inside the wire does indeed point in the same direction as the current, while the E field outside the wire has a different orientation.
- There is a discussion about whether the E field outside the wires is influenced by the E field inside the wires, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the nature of the E field's orientation in different regions.
- A participant references a paper that provides detailed information about the field lines inside and outside the wire, indicating that it helped clarify some of the questions raised in the discussion.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that the E field inside the wires points in the same direction as the current. However, there is disagreement regarding the orientation of the E field outside the wires and whether it retains an orthogonal component. The discussion remains unresolved on these points.
Contextual Notes
Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and implications of the E field's orientation, particularly in relation to Ohmic conductors and the influence of resistance on field lines.
This is with an idealized circuit, with idealized (0 resistance) wires linked by a resistor. I wonder what the same pictures would look like with real (non 0 resistance) wires?