0
$\begingroup$

In Purcell's Electricity and Magnetism, p.116 section 3.3, the author spoke about Laplace's equation and said that the boundary conditions for the potential$\,\phi$ on the surface of the conductor may be fixed:

In a real system the potentials may be fixed by permanent connections to batteries or other constant-potential "power supplies."

Does it mean then if I had a conductor like this one:

enter image description here

I would be able to set the potential $\phi$ on its surface to a given value by connecting it in the way below?

enter image description here

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
$\begingroup$

Only if the battery behaves like an ideal voltage source, which means zero internal resistance, or at least internal resistance much less than any load resistance connected to it.

A real battery has internal resistance not shown in your diagram. If connected to a load in addition to the conductor the potential on the conductor will drop. The key term in the statement is “constant-potential” power supply.

Hope this helps.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.