Does net charge affect resistance?

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential difference in resistance between a charged cable and a cable with zero net charge. One argument is that a charged cable may have a smaller resistance due to an increase in carriers for current, while another argues that there may be an increase in scattering leading to a higher resistance. The idea of using a Van de Graaff generator to create a charged cable is proposed, with the question of whether the resistance of the cable would be affected by the generator being turned on. The conversation also touches on the concept of HVDC transmission and who would be the best person to ask about a cable with a high voltage bias.
  • #1
greypilgrim
533
36
Hi.

Is the resistance of a charged cable different compared to a cable with zero net charge? If it is charged negatively, one could argue that now there are more carriers for the current, so the resistance should be smaller (similarly to water that becomes more conductive if ions are added). On the other hand, more particles might increase scattering which should increase resistance.

Or can we just argue that by linearity, this superposition of charges doesn't affect the current at all?
 
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  • #2
How do you propose to create a "charged cable"?
 
  • #3
For example by connecting it to a Van de Graaff generator?

Ok the capacity of a cable is quite small, so let's use the generator directly: If the resistance of the sphere is measured between two opposite points on the surface, will it change if the generator is turned on? Of course under the assumption that the static electricity doesn't affect the measurement device directly.
 
  • #4
greypilgrim said:
For example by connecting it to a Van de Graaff generator?
So you basically want a cable with a high voltage bias? In that case @anorlunda is the one to ask. Also look for a recent thread mentioning HVDC transmission.
 
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Related to Does net charge affect resistance?

1. Does the net charge of a material affect its resistance?

Yes, the net charge of a material can affect its resistance. Resistance is a measure of how difficult it is for electricity to flow through a material. When there is a net charge present, it can either attract or repel the flow of electrons, thus affecting the overall resistance. For example, a material with a positive charge will attract electrons and increase the overall resistance, while a material with a negative charge will repel electrons and decrease the overall resistance.

2. How does the net charge of a material affect its resistance?

The net charge of a material affects its resistance by altering the flow of electrons through the material. When there is a net charge present, it creates an electric field that can either attract or repel electrons, thereby increasing or decreasing the resistance. This is because the movement of electrons is hindered by the presence of the electric field, making it more difficult for them to flow through the material.

3. Is there a direct relationship between net charge and resistance?

Yes, there is a direct relationship between net charge and resistance. As the net charge of a material increases, the resistance also increases. This is because the stronger the net charge, the stronger the electric field, and the more difficult it is for electrons to flow through the material. Similarly, as the net charge decreases, the resistance also decreases.

4. Can the net charge of a material change the resistance of a circuit?

Yes, the net charge of a material can change the resistance of a circuit. This is because the net charge can alter the flow of electrons through the material, which in turn affects the overall resistance of the circuit. For example, if a material with a strong positive charge is introduced into a circuit, it can increase the resistance and potentially disrupt the flow of electricity in the circuit.

5. How can the net charge of a material be controlled to affect resistance?

The net charge of a material can be controlled by adding or removing electrons. This can be achieved through processes like charging by induction or conduction. By controlling the net charge of a material, its resistance can be manipulated. For example, if a material has a high resistance due to a strong positive charge, adding more electrons to neutralize the charge can decrease the resistance and improve the flow of electricity through the material.

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