Charge Distributions in Circuits: I have a problem regarding a circuit that cons
ID: 1515051 • Letter: C
Question
Charge Distributions in Circuits:
I have a problem regarding a circuit that consists of a battery, one resistor and an open switch- the battery is connected to the resistor, and the open switch is connected in parallel to the resistor. I know that the magnitude of the potential difference across the battery is equal to that across the resistor, by Kirchoff's rule, but what about the open switch? Is there a potential difference across it, and if so, will there be charges across the two ends of the switch? My line of thought was that since Kirchoff's rule applies only to closed circuits, then for an open switch, there would not be any potential difference across the two ends of it.
Explanation / Answer
Yes u are definetly right.... Kirchoff's rule apply only to closed circuits..... n ya for an open switch or any other open circuit there wouldn't be any potential difference across its ends.... Had there existed a potential difference it would hv meant that there is current flowing through it... ( which is not possible in an open circuit..)...... N yes there may be charges across its two ends ... but they must be at the same potential...