Electricity & Resistance: The Physical Explanation

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    Electrical Resistance
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physical explanation of potential difference (U) in resistors as described by Ohm's Law (U=RI). Key references include the Drude model of charge transport in solids and Onsager's contributions to the understanding of Ohm's Law. The Drude model is highlighted as a fundamental and comprehensible approach to understanding conduction in materials. Additionally, the discussion touches on the relevance of the Boltzmann equation and Kubo's theory in explaining transport phenomena.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (U=RI)
  • Familiarity with the Drude model of charge transport
  • Knowledge of Onsager's theory related to transport phenomena
  • Basic concepts of the Boltzmann equation and Kubo's theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Drude model of charge transport in solids
  • Explore Onsager's contributions to thermodynamics and transport theory
  • Study the Boltzmann equation and its applications in solid state physics
  • Investigate Kubo's theory of linear responses in quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, electrical engineering, and materials science who seek a deeper understanding of electrical resistance and the underlying theories of charge transport.

cosmonova
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Hello,

We all know Ohm's law U=RI, but I would like to know the physical explanation behind the apparition of the potential difference U of the resistance.

thank you.
 
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cosmonova said:
Hello,

We all know Ohm's law U=RI, but I would like to know the physical explanation behind the apparition of the potential difference U of the resistance.

thank you.

Look at the classical Drude model of charge transport in solids:

http://people.deas.harvard.edu/~jones/es154/lectures/lecture_2/drude_model/drude_model.html

Zz.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
IIRC, Ohm's law was given a firm footing by Onsager. If you can get Phys Rev, see here:

http://prola.aps.org/abstract/PR/v38/i12/p2265_1

Otherwise, just google Onsager and "Ohm's law" and eventually you'll find something.
 
krab said:
IIRC, Ohm's law was given a firm footing by Onsager. If you can get Phys Rev, see here:

http://prola.aps.org/abstract/PR/v38/i12/p2265_1

Otherwise, just google Onsager and "Ohm's law" and eventually you'll find something.

We all (should) know that Onsager's theory can be explained fully by mean of Boltzmann equation approach both to transport phenomena in solid state physics and plasma physics.Which should be coming from Kubo's theory of linear responses (both classical and quantum).Apparently there cannot be a deeper explanation of Georg Ohm'1828 law.
But i' have to stick with Zz's referring to the Drude model as being the most simple & comprehendable approach to what's really happenig in a conductor.

Daniel.

PS.What i said applies to another linear effect in conducting media,the classical Hall effect.
 

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