[Electromagnetism] perfect conductor and Current

In summary, the concept of a perfect conductor assumes that there is no electric field inside due to its short relaxation time. However, if a battery is connected to a metal wire, a potential difference is created and maintained, allowing for current flow despite the short relaxation time. It is also possible for strong enough external electric fields to create currents in the conductor, indicating the presence of an electric field inside. This concept only applies to the static case, as in the stationary case there is an electric field within the conductor according to Ohm's Law.
  • #1
kidsasd987
143
4
We assume that there is no electric field inside the perfect conductor because relaxation time of metal
is very short.

metal_h5.png

whereas
J=sigma*E

But if this is the case, how can current flow inside the metal?

-Is this because of battery? If there is a battery connected to a metal wire, it will create a potential difference between both ends. And such potential difference is maintained by the battery and that is why there is a current despite of the short relaxation time?

-if that's the case then, applying a strong enough external electric fields can create currents in the conductor, which means there is a certain amount of electric fields inside the conductor?

-Can I understand the concept this way.

"If charge density is constantly created at a faster rate than relaxation time, there is a current inside the metal."
 
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  • #2
I looked for some articles and found that there is no electric field inside the conductor 'only' at static equilibrium.

Does this mean that if strong enough electric fields are applied at t=0, it will go through a transient state and reach to the state that current density(electric field) exists in the condudctor?
 
  • #3
The electric field is 0 in conductors only in the static case, i.e., for time-independent fields and charge distributions and ##\vec{j}=0##. In the stationary case, where you have time-indpendent fields and charge and current densities, there is an electric field within the conductor and in linear-response approximation it's given by Ohm's Law, ##\vec{j}=\sigma \vec{E}##.
 

Related to [Electromagnetism] perfect conductor and Current

1. What is a perfect conductor in electromagnetism?

A perfect conductor is a material that has zero electrical resistance, meaning that it allows electric current to flow through it without any loss of energy. In other words, a perfect conductor has infinite conductivity.

2. How is a perfect conductor different from a regular conductor?

A regular conductor, such as copper or aluminum, has some level of electrical resistance and therefore experiences some loss of energy as electric current flows through it. In contrast, a perfect conductor has zero resistance and experiences no energy loss.

3. Can a perfect conductor exist in real life?

In theory, a perfect conductor can exist, but in practical applications, it is not possible to achieve zero resistance. However, there are materials such as superconductors that have extremely low resistance and can behave like perfect conductors under certain conditions.

4. How does current flow in a perfect conductor?

In a perfect conductor, current flows without any impedance or resistance. This means that the electrons can move through the material without any hindrance, resulting in a constant and uninterrupted flow of current.

5. What is the significance of perfect conductors in electromagnetism?

Perfect conductors are important in electromagnetism because they allow for the efficient transmission of electrical energy. They are also used in the development of technologies such as superconductors, which have many practical applications in areas such as energy production and healthcare.

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