Re: [Phys-l] F causing a or Delta-V causing I

["Robert Cohen" <Robert.Cohen@po-box.esu.edu>]

How's this?

Delta V represents the energy (per charge) that is converted (typically
to heat and light for a resistor) as the moving charge (current)
interacts with the element.  The more current, the greater the energy
(per charge) that is converted.

Thus, it is clear that current through the element causes a voltage
across it (Delta V=IR) and not the other way around.  :)

[note: for a capacitor, the energy is converted to "stored" electric
energy and for an inductor, the energy is converted to "stored" magnetic
energy, so the same language can be used for AC elements.]

____________________________________________________
Robert Cohen, Chair, Department of Physics
East Stroudsburg University; E. Stroudsburg, PA 18301
570-422-3428; www.esu.edu/~bbq 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu 
> [mailto:phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf 
> Of Larry Smith
> Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2006 7:42 PM
> To: Forum for Physics Educators
> Subject: [Phys-l] F causing a or Delta-V causing I
>
> Do the same people who think (or prefer to teach that) (net) 
> forces cause accelerations also think (or prefer to teach 
> that) potential differences cause currents in wires?
>
> And vice versa, do the same people who don't buy into the 
> idea of F causing a also not buy into Delta-V causing I?
>
> Or are there any out there in PHYS-L-land who would say that 
> F doesn't cause a, but Delta-V causes I?
>
> Larry