Calculating Current in a Wire: Applying PD and Cross-Sectional Area

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating current in a wire using the formula I = nqvA, where I represents current, n is charge carrier density, q is charge, v is drift velocity, and A is cross-sectional area. Participants clarify that when the potential difference (pd) is applied across different dimensions of the wire, both the length and cross-sectional area affect resistance. Specifically, switching the pd application from the 4 cm side to the 8 cm side results in a decrease in resistance by a factor of four, leading to an increase in current. The correct answer to the problem posed is confirmed as D, not A.

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  • Familiarity with the equation R ∝ l/A, where R is resistance, l is length, and A is cross-sectional area
  • Knowledge of charge carrier density and drift velocity in conductive materials
  • Basic grasp of electrical circuits and current flow
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ravsterphysics
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Homework Statement


1.JPG


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I know I = nqvA

When the pd is applied the surface that is 8cm long, the cross sectional area is 32cm (8x4) but when the pd is applied across the 4cm side, the cross sectional area is now 16cm (4x4) so I has decreased by a factor of 2 so the new I is I/2 thus answer A? But the correct answer is D.
 
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When comparing I=nqvA for each case, you assumed that only A changed. q stays the saem OK - but is v the same?
HInt: Ohms' law and resistivity.
 
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You've got the order of the faces backwards. The initial scenario has the PD applied across the ends of the rectangle (the 4 x 4 ends are separated by 8 cm).

Also, remember that resistance is proportional to path length as well as being inversely proportional to the cross sectional area. Look up the definition of resistivity.
 
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ravsterphysics said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 111643

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I know I = nqvA

When the pd is applied the surface that is 8cm long, the cross sectional area is 32cm (8x4) but when the pd is applied across the 4cm side, the cross sectional area is now 16cm (4x4) so I has decreased by a factor of 2 so the new I is I/2 thus answer A? But the correct answer is D.

I think that the relevant equation is: R \propto \frac{l}{A} where l is the length of the resistor and A is the cross-sectional area. Switching from one face to the other changes both A and l.
 
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People are always very quick to use formulas ... much easier just to look at it ...the distance the current has to travel has halved so this alone will make the resistance halve ... but in addition the area the current moves through has doubled .. this will also halve the resistance ... so in total the resistance has dropped to a quarter of what it was ...
 
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Simon Bridge said:
When comparing I=nqvA for each case, you assumed that only A changed. q stays the saem OK - but is v the same?
HInt: Ohms' law and resistivity.

gneill said:
You've got the order of the faces backwards. The initial scenario has the PD applied across the ends of the rectangle (the 4 x 4 ends are separated by 8 cm).

Also, remember that resistance is proportional to path length as well as being inversely proportional to the cross sectional area. Look up the definition of resistivity.

stevendaryl said:
I think that the relevant equation is: R \propto \frac{l}{A} where l is the length of the resistor and A is the cross-sectional area. Switching from one face to the other changes both A and l.

oz93666 said:
People are always very quick to use formulas ... much easier just to look at it ...the distance the current has to travel has halved so this alone will make the resistance halve ... but in addition the area the current moves through has doubled .. this will also halve the resistance ... so in total the resistance has dropped to a quarter of what it was ...

Yep, I totally disregarded the effects on the wire's resistance. It's clear now why current goes up by a factor of 4. thanks for the help.
 
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