- #1
r731
- 40
- 6
Hi!
What is the potential energy of electrons converted to, in a circuit? I'm asking this question because I don't really understand the concept of voltage drop across some element.
If I have a series circuit with a 10V battery and two equal-in-magnitude resistors, then the potential difference across one resistor is 5V. The battery gives each coulomb of charge 10 joules of potential energy. The current is constant across all the circuit.
So, as an electron passes the first resistor, some of its potential energy is converted into heat. But, before the electron reaches the resistor, why doesn't the potential energy convert to e.g. kinetic energy?
If the pulse pushing the electrons is a consequence of applied voltage, then what prevents the potential energy to be converted to kinetic energy, instead of heat?
I need to understand basics of electricity for my computer-related course.
Thanks in advance.
What is the potential energy of electrons converted to, in a circuit? I'm asking this question because I don't really understand the concept of voltage drop across some element.
If I have a series circuit with a 10V battery and two equal-in-magnitude resistors, then the potential difference across one resistor is 5V. The battery gives each coulomb of charge 10 joules of potential energy. The current is constant across all the circuit.
So, as an electron passes the first resistor, some of its potential energy is converted into heat. But, before the electron reaches the resistor, why doesn't the potential energy convert to e.g. kinetic energy?
If the pulse pushing the electrons is a consequence of applied voltage, then what prevents the potential energy to be converted to kinetic energy, instead of heat?
I need to understand basics of electricity for my computer-related course.
Thanks in advance.