Only if it's a superconductor.
Simulators always assume the resistance between ground connections is lower than the wires, which also confusingly have zero resistance. [...] SPICE considers the ground nodes first, so if they're connected together with other wires, then the current in those wires is assumed to be zero.
Ok, so am i right in thinking that in these circuits / discussions, the word "ground" could be replaced with "the negative terminal of the battery"?
.... But what i don't understand is why EC shows the current only flowing through the bottom horizontal wire.
If the grounds are connected (as proved by the circuit on the left), then the current should flow just as happily through this ground bus, right?!
So i'd expect, all other things being equal, that we'd have 50% of the current flowing through the bottom horizontal wire, and 50% through this real or virtual ground bus!?
It's just one of the idiot things simulators do!
Another one is that as a default, LTspice shows an ac source as a DC one, then has a note alongside saying what it really is.
LTSpice shows a voltage source as a voltage source. You then define what kind of voltage waveform you want it to provide.
I tried to like LTspice---- I really did!, but whenitI couldn't simulate a basic CR network, I gave up.
This is a PEBCAK problem, not LTSpice.It's a bit like trying to remove cylinder head bolts with a Stilson Wrench------it might work, but it will take 10 times as long, & a lot of scraped knuckles along the way!
It's like trying to use a tool you haven't yet learned to use.
Only if it's a superconductor.OP is asking about simulation, not real cables.Simulators always assume the resistance between ground connections is lower than the wires, which also confusingly have zero resistance. [...] SPICE considers the ground nodes first, so if they're connected together with other wires, then the current in those wires is assumed to be zero.Maybe that's what SPICE does but OP sees exactly the opposite behavior.
It's irrelevant either way, it's just a simulation of "ideal" components which don't exist so it doesn't need to make sense.
It's just one of the idiot things simulators do!
Another one is that as a default, LTspice shows an ac source as a DC one, then has a note alongside saying what it really is.
LTSpice shows a voltage source as a voltage source. You then define what kind of voltage waveform you want it to provide.
An ac voltage source is not, in normal schematics shown with + & - signs----- a DC voltage source is.
The very presence or non-presence of the polarity signs defines which it is.
Having the default a DC source is misleading.
Standby for multiple "Noobs" becoming confused & drawing real schematics this (incorrect) way.
QuoteI tried to like LTspice---- I really did!, but whenitI couldn't simulate a basic CR network, I gave up.
This is a PEBCAK problem, not LTSpice.It's a bit like trying to remove cylinder head bolts with a Stilson Wrench------it might work, but it will take 10 times as long, & a lot of scraped knuckles along the way!
It's like trying to use a tool you haven't yet learned to use.
When I learnt Electronics, the designers of LT spice were but a sparkle in their Father's eyes.
We had a number of ways to determine the operation & performance of circuits.
(1) Use our imagination & our knowledge of theory to visualise how it would work.
(2) Work through the mathematics.
(3) Steal someone else's design.
(4) Build the circuit up & test it in the real world.
(5) A combination of the above.
If I have to devote a not inconsiderable part of my limited time on this Earth to learning how to use a particular underwhelming "tool", I'd rather use one I know how to use.
And, by the way:- "Get off my lawn!"
Could I please suggest that you not continue this tangent "discussion" on this thread.
This is the beginners section and we don't need to bury the Op in stuff that isn't directly helping him.
Just noticed this:Both grounds are at the same potential so with no potential difference there is no current flowing.Sorry, but that is an absolutely incorrect statement.
Current CAN flow through a conductor without any potential difference across it, when it is part of a circuit that has current flowing because of the other circuit elements. In fact, this is the definition of a conductor (in the normal sense).
Just noticed this:Just noticed this:Both grounds are at the same potential so with no potential difference there is no current flowing.Sorry, but that is an absolutely incorrect statement.
Current CAN flow through a conductor without any potential difference across it, when it is part of a circuit that has current flowing because of the other circuit elements. In fact, this is the definition of a conductor (in the normal sense).Given the context of the answer ie why something isn't something happening in a simulator and your stance on not confusing the OP, why then do you write a paradoxical statement that can be proven mathematically to be false and then allude to mysterious elements that are not part of the current( ) problem
Ltspice shows zero current if you try to parallel "wires" and spice in general does not simulate connection properties. If you want a wire in your sim you'll have to model it