Nichrome and Copper Circuit w/ Electron Mobility

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a circuit involving copper and Nichrome wires connected to a 1.5 V battery. Participants are exploring the electric fields in both types of wires, considering parameters such as electron mobility, resistivity, and geometry of the wires.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the relationship between current, electric field, and material properties to analyze the circuit. Some suggest calculating resistance and potential drops to find the electric field, while others express uncertainty about the application of electron mobility and resistivity in this context.

Discussion Status

There are multiple lines of reasoning being explored, including the use of conductivity and resistivity to determine current and electric fields. Some participants have provided calculations for resistance, while others are questioning the implications of their findings and the assumptions made regarding material properties.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the topic, as it includes concepts not yet covered in their coursework. There is also mention of the need to clarify the relationship between resistivity and conductivity, as well as the implications of changing wire dimensions on resistance.

  • #31
gneill said:
What are the units associated with an electric field? It's not just Volts, which is just the unit of electric potential.

I'll give you a hint. One of the common ways of expressing the units of an electric field is N/C, that is, the force exerted per coulomb of charge. But another entirely equivalent way is V/m (you can massage the units to prove they're equivalent!). That's the change in potential over distance. You have calculated the change in potential that occurs over each wire segment, and you have the lengths of those wire segments...

Ah that makes sense! Thank you very much for your time and assistance!
 
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  • #32
Callix said:
Ah that makes sense! Thank you very much for your time and assistance!
You're very welcome.
 

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