What is the Skin Effect and How Does It Impact Electron Flow in Wires?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the skin effect and its implications for electron flow in wires, particularly focusing on how current distribution varies in AC versus DC scenarios. Participants explore the underlying principles and clarify misconceptions related to electric fields and current flow within conductors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that electrons would flow on the outside of a wire due to mutual repulsion, questioning the behavior of the electric field inside a conductor.
  • Another participant asserts that the electric field effectively acts on the surface of the conductor, implying it can push electrons adequately without philosophical considerations.
  • A participant challenges the notion that charge flows throughout the entire cross-section of the wire, seeking clarification on the distribution of current.
  • One participant explains that the skin effect occurs primarily in AC current due to the penetration depth of electromagnetic waves, arguing against the idea that electron repulsion is the main factor.
  • It is noted that the electric field being zero inside a perfect conductor and the skin effect are separate phenomena, with the latter being specific to AC current.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of current flow in conductors, particularly regarding the role of the electric field and the skin effect. No consensus is reached on the explanations provided.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the behavior of electric fields in conductors and the specifics of the skin effect, particularly in relation to AC and DC currents.

cragar
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When electrons flow in a wire it seems like they would flow on the outside because the electrons would push each other away, for the same reason the E field is zero inside a conductor. But then again it seems that if that were the case the E field wouldn't be able to push the electrons very well. Any input will be much appreciated.
 
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You don't need to worry.Electric field does that, it acts on the surface so it is enough capable of pushing electrons in a good way.Don't think philosophically in physics!
 
How is that philosophical, So does charge flow all through out the cross section of the wire?
 
You are totally on the wrong track here.
Electric field is zero inside a perfect conductor, never really true practically except in super-conductors and not the reason for electrons being on the periphery.
Current travels on the periphery only in AC current, not DC, reason being the penetration depth of EM waves in the conductor (EM wave associated with the AC current), I don't think putting it as electrons pushing each other away is right at all, its just that the associated wave travels well in air but decays as it enters the conductor(due to cutoff of the wave), and hence the associated current must decrease, as amplitude of EM wave and current are proportional. Its called the skin effect, you should look it up.

Electric field is zero inside a conductor(ideally) and the skin effect are two totally separate phenomenon.
 
thanks I looked up the skin effect very interesting.
 

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