How Many Electrons Cross a Point in a Wire with a Given Current?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the number of electrons crossing a point in a wire with a time-varying current defined by the equation i(t) = 15 * 2 * cos(2π * 60t) [A]. To find the total charge that flows through the wire over the interval 0 < t < 0.001 seconds, participants emphasize using the integral of the current over time, which directly relates to charge. The key takeaway is that the number of electrons can be determined by dividing the total charge by the elementary charge (approximately 1.6 x 10-19 C).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of current and charge relationships in electrical circuits
  • Knowledge of calculus, specifically integration
  • Familiarity with the concept of elementary charge (1.6 x 10-19 C)
  • Basic understanding of alternating current (AC) waveforms
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  • Learn how to perform definite integrals in calculus
  • Study the principles of alternating current (AC) and its applications
  • Explore the concept of charge conservation in electrical circuits
  • Investigate the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance using Ohm's Law
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Electrical engineering students, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the flow of electrons in conductive materials.

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A wire has a current given by
i (t ) =15 2 cos (2π 60t ) [A].
Determine how many electrons cross a particular point on the wire, moving from right to left, in
the time interval 0 < t < 0.001
I don't get this one. What equation do Ineed to use? I can't find the right one, but it seems so easy. :confused:
]
 
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XodoX said:
A wire has a current given by
i (t ) =15 2 cos (2π 60t ) [A].
Determine how many electrons cross a particular point on the wire, moving from right to left, in
the time interval 0 < t < 0.001

Hi XodoX! :smile:

Hint: current = charge per time, so ∫(current)d(time) = charge :wink:
 


I don't get it. Couldn't I just plug in the numbers and substract both equations?
 

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