When a DC flows through a wire, does the electric field vary?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between direct current (DC) flow in a wire and the behavior of the electric field. It is established that when DC flows through a conductor, the electric field does not vary constantly; instead, it remains steady. The magnetic field around a conductor carrying current is produced by the motion of electrons within the wire, confirming that a constant electric field can still generate a magnetic field due to electron movement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of direct current (DC) principles
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic theory
  • Knowledge of electric and magnetic field interactions
  • Basic concepts of electron motion in conductors
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electromagnetic induction
  • Explore the relationship between electric fields and magnetic fields in detail
  • Investigate the behavior of electrons in conductive materials
  • Learn about Maxwell's equations and their implications for electric and magnetic fields
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of electromagnetism and the behavior of electric fields in conductive materials.

uzair_ha91
Messages
92
Reaction score
0
When a DC flows through a wire, does the electric field vary?
If a changing electric flux produces a magnetic field, then electric field will have to vary constantly, right?
If that's not the case, then what produces a magnetic field around a conductor carrying current?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
uzair_ha91 said:
When a DC flows through a wire, does the electric field vary?
If a changing electric flux produces a magnetic field, then electric field will have to vary constantly, right?
If that's not the case, then what produces a magnetic field around a conductor carrying current?

Yes, that is correct.

The motion of the electrons is what causes the magnetic field to appear.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Does a time varying magnetic field in vacuum produce electric field or not?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
High School Why Does My Toaster Hum Due to AC-Induced Magnetic Forces?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
High School Confusion about one of Maxwell's equations
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
832
Undergrad DC current flows in a wire when two loops are brought close by?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Undergrad Magnetic field when the area of the plates of a capacitor increases
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Graduate Induced Electrical Field (Maxwell-Faraday's Law)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Induced Electric and Magnetic Fields Creating Each Other
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad How Do Time-Varying Currents in Conductors Generate EM Fields and Waves?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Will insulation on electric power lines affect the flow of power?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
High School Magnetic field produced by an electric current
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K