Current density, drift velocity and electric field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating current density, drift velocity, and electric field strength in a copper wire with a current of 0.5 A and a cross-sectional area of 0.3 mm². The current density is derived using the formula J = I/A, resulting in a value of 1.7 x 106 A/m². The average drift velocity (vd) cannot be calculated without knowing the number of charge carriers per unit volume (n), which is essential for the equation J = nqvd. Participants emphasize the need to reference standard values for n and resistivity (ρ) for copper to complete the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of current density (J) and its formula J = I/A
  • Knowledge of drift velocity (vd) and its relationship with charge carriers
  • Familiarity with electric field strength (E) and the formula E = ρJ
  • Basic knowledge of material properties, specifically for copper (n and ρ)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the number of charge carriers per unit volume (n) for copper
  • Look up the resistivity (ρ) of copper in standard reference materials
  • Study the relationship between current density, drift velocity, and electric field strength
  • Explore the implications of varying cross-sectional areas on current density calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics and electrical engineering, particularly those studying electromagnetism and circuit theory, will benefit from this discussion.

Mauvai
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Homework Statement


A) A current I flows along a straight wire of cross-sectional area A. If the unit vector I denotes the direction of current flow, write down the expression for the current density J (assuming it to be uniform throughout the wire ) and give its SI units.

B) (This isn't really relevant) The expression for J obtained in part (a) is in terms of the macroscopic quantities I and A. Now derive the corresponding expression in terms of microscopic quantities, namely J = n q vd, where n is the number of charge carriers per unit volume, q is the charge carried by each charge carrier, and vd is the average drift velocity of the charge carriers.
Verify that the SI units of n q vd agree with the units for ~J in part (a)

C) A current of 0.5 A flows in a copper wire of cross-sectional area 0.3 mm2.
(i) Calculate the current density in the wire.
(ii) Calculate the average drift speed of the charge carriers.
(iii) Calculate the electric eld strength in the wire using the
formula E =  ρJ where ρ is the resistivity.

Homework Equations


J = I/A
J = nqvd
E = ρJ

The Attempt at a Solution


First few bits are easy - current density is I/A, units A/m2

Proof is standard: I/A = nqV/A where V is volume, n is charges per volume.
V/A = Δx, and Δx/t is vd ⇔ J = nqvd

c(i) easy, fill in formula - j = 530500 Am-2
c(ii) this is where the problems start - again its easy, fill in the formula, but i have not been given the value of n (q is standard, 1.602x10-19)
So my question is, is it possible to find vd without n? is there an alternate way of working it out?
c(iii) same as c(ii) but with ρ - that wasn't provided either.
Thanks!
 
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Mauvai said:
Proof is standard: I/A = nqV/A where V is volume, n is charges per volume.
V/A = Δx, and Δx/t is vd ⇔ J = nqvd
The equation I/A = nqV/A is not correct. There needs to be a time interval t in the denominator on the right-hand side.

Mauvai said:
c(i) easy, fill in formula - j = 530500 Am-2
I don't get this result. I get j = I/A = 0.5 A/( 0.3 mm2) = 0.5 A/(0.3 x 10-6 m2) = 1.7 x 106 A/m2

Mauvai said:
c(ii) this is where the problems start - again its easy, fill in the formula, but i have not been given the value of n (q is standard, 1.602x10-19)
So my question is, is it possible to find vd without n? is there an alternate way of working it out?
c(iii) same as c(ii) but with ρ - that wasn't provided either.
Thanks!

You are probably expected to look up n and ρ for copper. Many textbooks have tables that list these for different materials.
 

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