Current Flow in Series Wire with Different Conductivity

In summary, when wires A and B, with the same cross-sectional area but different conductivity, are connected in series, there will be a layer of charge at the junction and the electric field of A and B will be different. The charge accumulation will start at the transient time when the voltage is first applied, creating a longitudinal wave that carries E and B fields along with it. This wave is reflected at the junction, causing a discontinuity, and then a steady current is established due to slow electron drift. This process also occurs when the current is switched off.
  • #1
HAMJOOP
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Wire A and B, which have the same cross-sectional area are connected in series. There is a p.d. V across the whole wire.

Suppose the two wires obey Ohm's law J = σE
Also, A and B have different conductivity.

Therefore electric field of A is different from B.
There should be a layer of charge between the junction of A and B.

So, when does the charge accumulation start ?
At the transient time ?

At that moment, current flows in wire A =/= current flows in wire B ?
 
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  • #2
When the voltage is first applied at the end of the conductor, the electrons of the conductors support a longitudinal wave, which travels along the wire. It may be thought of as being a wave in the electron plasma, and it carries E and B fields along with it. When the wave reaches the junction and encounters different resistance, part of it is reflected back to the source. This explains the discontinuity at the junction. A steady current, caused by very slow electron drift, then continues to flow uniformly across the junction. All steady currents are first set up by a wave traveling along a conductor, and similarly when they are swirtched off.
 

FAQ: Current Flow in Series Wire with Different Conductivity

What is current flow in series wire with different conductivity?

Current flow in series wire with different conductivity refers to the movement of electric charges through a series circuit consisting of wires with varying conductivities. This flow of current is affected by the resistance of each wire and can result in different amounts of current flowing through each wire.

How does the conductivity of a wire affect current flow in a series circuit?

The conductivity of a wire directly affects the amount of resistance in the circuit. A wire with high conductivity will have low resistance, allowing more current to flow through it compared to a wire with low conductivity, which will have higher resistance and less current flow.

What is the relationship between conductivity and resistance in a series circuit?

In a series circuit, the resistance is directly proportional to the conductivity of the wire. This means that as the conductivity of the wire increases, the resistance decreases, and vice versa.

How does current flow in series wire with different conductivities affect the overall circuit?

The current flow in series wire with different conductivities can result in a voltage drop across each wire, as the resistance of each wire will affect the overall flow of current in the circuit. This can lead to a decrease in the total amount of current flowing through the circuit.

Can current flow in series wire with different conductivities be controlled?

Yes, the current flow in series wire with different conductivities can be controlled by adjusting the resistance of each wire. This can be done by using wires with different conductivities or by adding resistors to the circuit to regulate the flow of current.

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