Is there microscopic version of general Ohm's law of V=IZ?

In summary, the microscopic version of Ohm's law for resistive materials is given by J = σE, where J is the current density, E is the electric field, and σ is the conductivity. This relationship only applies to resistive materials and DC currents. It is possible to extend this concept to other types of materials, such as those described by the Drude model, which incorporates both resistive and reactive components. However, this model is not universally accepted. Additionally, when considering impedance, which is a complex number including both resistive and reactive components, it is not possible to map a length onto it in the same way that can be done with a linear potentiometer.
  • #1
goodphy
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Hello.

Resistive Ohm's law is famously known as V = IR. We can derive its microscopic version as being followed.

V = El, where E and l are, respectively, an electric field and a resistive load length over which a voltage drop V is developed.

I = JS, J and S are a current density and a cross-sectional area of the load (uniform cross-section is assumed).

Substituting these expressions into the Ohm's law gives El = JSR → J = σE where σ = l/(SR) or R = l/(σS).

It is very obvious that J = σE is the microscopic version of the Ohm's law of V = IR. It looks that J = σE is only true for resistive load and DC.

I would like to know if there is any microscopic version of generalized Ohm's law of V = IZ where Z is an impedance.


Could we find this?
 
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  • #3
An impedance is a complex number that includes resistive and reactive components.

If the impedance was a series connection of RLC, then how could you map a length onto the impedance in the same way that you can with a linear potentiometer ?
 
  • #4
goodphy said:
It is very obvious that J = σE is the microscopic version of the Ohm's law of V = IR. ...
Just in case other readers would like to see how this applies to "ohmic" materials:
[PLAIN said:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/]When[/PLAIN] a microscopic view of Ohm's law is taken, it is found to depend upon the fact that the drift velocity of charges through the material is proportional to the electric field in the conductor.
 
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1. What is the microscopic version of general Ohm's law?

The microscopic version of general Ohm's law states that the voltage (V) across a conductor is equal to the product of the current (I) and the resistance (Z) of the conductor.

2. How does the microscopic version of Ohm's law differ from the macroscopic version?

The macroscopic version of Ohm's law only considers the overall voltage, current, and resistance of a conductor, while the microscopic version takes into account the individual interactions between electrons and atoms within the conductor.

3. Is the microscopic version of Ohm's law applicable to all conductors?

Yes, the microscopic version of Ohm's law can be applied to all conductors, regardless of their size or composition. It describes the fundamental relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a conductor.

4. How does the microscopic version of Ohm's law relate to quantum mechanics?

The microscopic version of Ohm's law is rooted in the principles of quantum mechanics, which govern the behavior of electrons at the microscopic level. It helps explain the behavior of electrons as they flow through a conductor and encounter resistance.

5. Can the microscopic version of Ohm's law be used to calculate the resistance of a conductor?

Yes, the microscopic version of Ohm's law can be used to calculate the resistance of a conductor by rearranging the equation to solve for Z (resistance) using the known values of V (voltage) and I (current).

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