We say that surface charges are necessary to create local
electric fields in wires. Are they also necessary to produce
local electric fields when a steady current flows in a sheet of
carbon-impregnated paper? Where would they be located?
How would they be distributed (in the case of two silver
circles painted on a conducting sheet)?
Is it reasonable to blame the observed discrepancy on surface
charges? I am referring to equipotential lines on carbon sheets;
they do not agree with predictions that many have made in the
"I need help" and "Calculating resistance" threads. A discrepancy,
like a bleeding wound, must be cured, in one way or another.
I hope somebody confirms or contradicts my observations by
using the same geometry. Two students expressed interest in
working with me on this project. Please keep helping.
Ludwik Kowalski