Re: [Phys-L] unification or not .... was: standard DC circuits

[brian whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

On 11/24/2013 3:22 PM, Bernard Cleyet wrote:
> On 2013, Nov 24, , at 09:46, John Denker <jsd@av8n.com> wrote:
>
> > I've been thinking some more about this.
> >
> > The smart way to handle introductory circuits goes
> > like this:
>
> I think the difference is B. Sher. is interested is “basic cause” while JD is more prob. solving.  Perhaps the diff. between physics and engineering?
>
> I had never thought of electrostatics driving circuit theory and find it fascinating.  It has led me to think of a test.
>
> A cap with min. fringing (guard rings?) connecting wires from the centers, vertical for a great distance, large loop to switch and fast ‘scope.  Will the discharge be slower than the same cap with the wires connected at the edges?
>
> bc
>
> p.s. more thought, not testable —before even connecting to the switch there will be a PD between the wires.  Perhaps make the switch at on of the plate centers?
Transforming that thought experiment to a highly testable form, bc would 
have
little difficulty (I suspect) in deciding which DC waveform collapses 
more quickly:
two 50 ft coax cables, open at the distal ends, and connected at the 
proximal ends both shield and inner to a 9 volt battery and a 50 ohm  
resistor in series
OR
one 100 ft coax cable open at the distal end, and connected to a 9 volt 
battery by a 50 ohm resistor at the proximal end.
Both of which batteries are abruptly disconnected while the proximal 
voltage waveform is monitored.

This is as far from a thought experiment as you could imagine.

Brian Whatcott    Altus OK