A provoker problem of electromagnetism

Abstract

A challenging proposal made by the scientific disseminator Derek A. Muller, with an electric circuit very simple but very curious, is chosen based on its potential to reflect on some basic aspects related to the electric current circulation. Although the purpose of Muller’s proposal is to show that in electrical circuits energy travels through space driven by the electromagnetic field and does not travel through conductors, that is not the topic of this work, but rather the circuit proposed by Muller is used to reflect on other basic aspects of the circulation of electric current. Specifically, it will be shown how to find the way in which the current circulation begins, taking advantage of the fact that this circuit allows appropriate approximations. Although Muller’s approach aims to other objectives, it highlights the problem that the way in which the circulation of current in circuits begins is a topic that, due to mathematical difficulties, is not explored in depth either at the basic or advanced levels. In this work questions will be raised that assail both a physics teacher and an expert when confronted with Muller’s proposal, and it will be shown how to proceed to search for answers and gradually advance until building a clear overview of the process corresponding to this circuit.