Does electrons fall out when a current carrying wire is cut

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether electrons can "fall out" of a current-carrying wire when it is cut. Participants explore the implications of electron confinement, energy transfer, and the conditions under which electrons might escape from the wire.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that electrons do not escape from a cut wire as they are confined to the area around metal atoms unless energy is provided.
  • One participant questions the fate of the momentum associated with electrons if they do not escape, suggesting it may be transformed into radiation.
  • Another participant notes that the momentum of electrons is very small due to their light mass and low speed, implying that any energy would likely convert to heat rather than pushing electrons out of the wire.
  • Some participants propose that energy could come from the inductance or capacitance of the system, especially if the wire reaches a temperature sufficient to overcome the work function, allowing electrons to flow freely.
  • It is mentioned that typically, wires are not hot enough to allow for electron flow upon being cut, and that the capacitance and inductance of a wire are generally low unless configured in a coil.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that electrons do not fall out of a cut wire under normal conditions, but there are competing views regarding the conditions under which electrons might escape and the implications of energy transfer.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific conditions necessary for electrons to escape, including the role of temperature and energy sources, as well as the implications of momentum and energy transformation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring concepts in electromagnetism, electron behavior in conductive materials, and the effects of cutting current-carrying wires.

champ_9999
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does electrons fall out when a current carrying wire is cut

well i know it doesn't make much sense n also doesn't have ny effect

but still does it happen or not ?
 
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No they don't, they are cofined to the area around the metal atoms. Unless some form of energy is given they cannot escape from there.

:)))))))
 


Lok said:
No they don't, they are cofined to the area around the metal atoms. Unless some form of energy is given they cannot escape from there.

:)))))))
but then they have some momentum associated with them . where does that energy goes?
is it invested in the form of radiations??

does heisnbergs uncertanity principal has to do nything with this>>??
 


An electron is very light (google it) and the speed is very small (1-2m/s) depending on wire, so the momentum energy would be very small. Not that it matters as these things do not work this way.

If there is momentum then it's just not enough to push electrons out of the wire and all the energy will be transformed too heat.
 


The energy could come from the inductance or capacitance of the system, if high enough.

EG:



Also, if a wire is hot enough to reach the work function (energy needed to free the electrons), the electrons can flow freely from the wire, as in the case of hot filaments.
 
Last edited by a moderator:


kcdodd said:
The energy could come from the inductance or capacitance of the system, if high enough.

EG:



Also, if a wire is hot enough to reach the work function (energy needed to free the electrons), the electrons can flow freely from the wire, as in the case of hot filaments.


The flow has to come out of a cut wire... usually they are not hot enough. Capacitance of a wire is very low and the same applies for it's inductance unless it is inside a coil.
 
Last edited by a moderator:


thanks buddies
 

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