Current density of a moving conductor or conducting fluid

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of current density in the context of a moving conductor or conducting fluid, particularly within the framework of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Participants explore the implications of Ohm's law when applied to moving systems, the relationship between current density and charge carrier velocity, and the generation of electromotive force (e.m.f.) in the presence of magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the interpretation of Ohm's law for moving conductors, suggesting that the definition of current density as \mathbf{J}(\mathbf{r},t) = \rho_e(\mathbf{r},t)\mathbf{v}(\mathbf{r},t) is more fundamental than the empirical form presented in the literature.
  • Another participant notes that the current density vector \mathbf{J} need not align with the velocity \mathbf{u}, and emphasizes the role of the magnetic force component \mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{B} in generating e.m.f., referencing Faraday's law.
  • A participant provides definitions for electrical conductance and charge density, indicating a potential misunderstanding in the original post regarding these terms.
  • One participant describes a scenario involving a charged particle moving in a magnetic field, questioning whether the current density at that point could simply be expressed as q\mathbf{u}.
  • Another participant suggests that the discussion may relate to the operation of a homopolar generator, providing links for further reading.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of current density in moving conductors, with no consensus reached on the definitions or implications of the discussed concepts. The relationship between current density, velocity, and magnetic fields remains contested.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for clarity regarding the definitions of terms like electrical conductance and charge density, as well as the assumptions underlying the application of Ohm's law in moving systems. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of the role of magnetic forces in generating e.m.f.

omyojj
Messages
32
Reaction score
0
I beg you to understand my poor Eng..
If there is any poor grammar or spelling..please correct me..

While studying MHD with "An Introduction to Magnetohydrodynamics" written by Davidson,
I encountered the term 'current density'..
As you know well, empirically,
[tex] \mathbf{J} = \sigma \mathbf{E}[/tex]
with electric field being measured in a frame of reference in which the charged test particle is at rest.

It says
This is an empirical law which, for stationary conductors, takes the form [tex]\mathbf{J} = \sigma \mathbf{E}[/tex], where [tex]\mathbf{E}[/tex] is the electric field and [tex]\mathbf{J}[/tex] the current density. We interpret this as [tex]\mathbf{J}[/tex] being proportional to the Coulomb force [tex]\mathbf{f} = q\mathbf{E}[/tex] which acts on the free charge carriers, [tex]q[/tex] being their charge. If, however, the conductor is moving in a magnetic field with velocity [tex]\mathbf{u}[/tex], the free charges will experience an additional force, [tex]q\mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{B}[/tex] and Ohm's law becomes
[tex]\mathbf{J} = \sigma ( \mathbf{E} + \mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{B} )[/tex]

I can't understand this "empirical" Ohm's law for moving conductor(or conducting fluid) because, to my knowledge, [tex]\mathbf{J}(\mathbf{r},t) = \rho_e(\mathbf{r},t)\mathbf{v}(\mathbf{r},t)[/tex] is thought to be the more fundamental definition of current density. It is basically a vector having the (net) direction of charged particles drift velocity..
But [tex]\mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{B}[/tex] clearly does not coincide in direction with [tex]\mathbf{u}[/tex]..

Also, I'd like to raise a question about the e.m.f. generated by a relative movemnet of the imposed magnetic field and the moving fluid. Why is it of order [tex]|\mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{B}|[/tex]? Does it come from Faraday's law?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I couldn't understand all your doubts

i will post some comments which may help

the current density vector [tex] \mathbf{J}(\mathbf{r},t) [/tex]
need not be in the direction of u, it can be found in any direction. so u x B may not necessarily coincide with u.

may be in a wire the J is maximum in direction of u and it is of interest

the magnetic force component u x B is also responsible for genrating an emf. the equation used to arrive to this result should be faraday and maxwells equation.

i would like to read some material and give you a concrete explanation
 
In J = σ·E, σ is electrical conductance (ohm-m)-1.

In F = σ·V(E + v x B), σ is charge density (Coulombs per unit volume).

I think.

Bob S
 
suppose that the prescribed magnetic field [tex]\mathbf{B} = B_0 \hat{\mathbf{z}}[/tex] is present..and suppose that ,at time t, at the origin of the inertial frame, a particle with charge q moves along the y-direction with velocity u..then the Lorentz force due to magnetic field is in the x-direction..and there is e.m.f generated around the origin..

then what is the current density at the origin at that time? is it not just [tex]q\mathbf{u}[/tex]?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K