Why in an electric circuit with only a generator the resistance R=infinity?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of resistance in an electric circuit that contains only a generator. Participants explore the implications of having an incomplete circuit and the definitions of resistance in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the resistance is considered infinite because there is no completed circuit, leading to zero current.
  • Others argue that in practical terms, the resistance is not truly infinite but very high, and this simplification is often used in teaching.
  • One participant questions the terminology used, specifically what is meant by "a generator," and requests a schematic for clarity.
  • Another participant interprets the original question as implying zero resistance rather than infinite resistance, indicating a need for a diagram to clarify the situation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the question and the concept of resistance, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of resistance and the conditions under which the circuit operates, as well as the need for a schematic to clarify the discussion.

samy4408
Messages
62
Reaction score
9
Why in an electric circuit with only a generator the resistance R=infinity?

[Newbie's post edited by a Mentor to delete extraneous embellishment]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Because you don't have a completed circuit. Just an open. Of course, in reality the resistance isn't infinite, just very, very high. But we call it infinite to simplify things when teaching things to students.

Also, there's no need to throw half a dozen question marks into a sentence. One will suffice.
 
samy4408 said:
Why in an electric circuit with only a generator the resistance R=infinity?

[Newbie's post edited by a Mentor to delete extraneous embellishment]

Because the current is zero.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
samy4408 said:
Why in an electric circuit with only a generator the resistance R=infinity?
What's "a generator" in your question? Can you post a schematic?
 
As worded, the question implies to me zero resistance, not infinite. So yeah, we need a diagram.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Electric Potential in circuit
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad What forces are acting on electron in a circuit?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Why does resistance reduce current in whole circuit?
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
6K
Undergrad Is this example incorrect in Agawal's book on electric circuits?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Can current flow in an open circuit?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad An attempt to understand the associated variable conventions in circuits
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Human Resistance vs. Circuit Conductors
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Current through a circuit when the key is open
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
6K
Undergrad How do I calculate the expected Gain?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad Why does increasing resistance in a conductor decrease power dissipation?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K