Is there microscopic version of general Ohm's law of V=IZ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the exploration of a microscopic version of the generalized Ohm's law, represented as V = IZ, where Z is impedance. Participants examine the relationship between electric fields, current density, and impedance in both resistive and reactive contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a derivation of the microscopic version of Ohm's law as J = σE, where J is current density, σ is conductivity, and E is the electric field, specifically for resistive loads and DC.
  • Another participant suggests that the Drude model might be relevant to the discussion, although they express a personal disfavor towards it.
  • A participant questions how to map a length onto impedance in the context of a series connection of RLC components, indicating a complexity in relating impedance to a microscopic framework.
  • Further clarification is provided that the microscopic view of Ohm's law relies on the proportionality of drift velocity of charges to the electric field in the conductor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the Drude model and the mapping of impedance to a microscopic scale. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the existence of a generalized microscopic version of Ohm's law.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the nature of materials (ohmic vs. non-ohmic) and the definitions of impedance in relation to the proposed microscopic framework.

goodphy
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Hello.

Resistive Ohm's law is famously known as V = IR. We can derive its microscopic version as being followed.

V = El, where E and l are, respectively, an electric field and a resistive load length over which a voltage drop V is developed.

I = JS, J and S are a current density and a cross-sectional area of the load (uniform cross-section is assumed).

Substituting these expressions into the Ohm's law gives El = JSR → J = σE where σ = l/(SR) or R = l/(σS).

It is very obvious that J = σE is the microscopic version of the Ohm's law of V = IR. It looks that J = σE is only true for resistive load and DC.

I would like to know if there is any microscopic version of generalized Ohm's law of V = IZ where Z is an impedance.


Could we find this?
 
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An impedance is a complex number that includes resistive and reactive components.

If the impedance was a series connection of RLC, then how could you map a length onto the impedance in the same way that you can with a linear potentiometer ?
 
goodphy said:
It is very obvious that J = σE is the microscopic version of the Ohm's law of V = IR. ...
Just in case other readers would like to see how this applies to "ohmic" materials:
[PLAIN said:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/]When[/PLAIN] a microscopic view of Ohm's law is taken, it is found to depend upon the fact that the drift velocity of charges through the material is proportional to the electric field in the conductor.
 
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