Ohm's Law and its Physical Consequences

AI Thread Summary
Ohm's Law, expressed as J = σE, suggests that volume current density depends on the electric field strength at a point. Concerns arise about charge accumulation in a conductor when the electric field varies, such as in a rod where the field changes with distance. However, this issue is addressed by recognizing that Ohm's Law is part of a larger framework, specifically Maxwell's equations, which account for dynamic charge behavior. In steady-state conditions, where time-varying effects are negligible, charge does not pile up, resolving the initial concern. Thus, the application of Ohm's Law remains valid within the context of these broader physical principles.
aaaa202
Messages
1,144
Reaction score
2
Ohms law is in my book stated in the form:

J = \sigmaE

My question is about the validity of this statement (I know it is just an empirical law, but therefore you can still think of its consequences). If the above is true then the volume current density will depend on the strength of the field at a specific point. But how are you guarenteed that the field through our ohmic material will vary in such a way as to not violate charges being piled up. Let me make my point more clear through an example:
Suppose we have a thin rod through which the field varies like 1/r where r is the distance from the minus pole to a point on the rod. Close to the minus pole you will then have a current density going through a crosssection of the rod which is very large. But as you move away further the current density will according to Ohms law be much less. This is not physical since charge cannot disappear and why would it pile up in a conductor?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Charge doesn't pile up because of the forces on the charges when it tries to.

You are confused because this is only a single constuent equation of the larger set. This is a simple equation of state without a time dependence. The full set of maxwells equations in the conductor would allow charge to bunch up dynamically in time then relax; time varying magnetic fields would also be present.

The steady-state solutions where the time-varying components have died out will have field solutions where your concerns are not an issue. There will be no charge piling up in this steady state (by definition!)
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top