The resistance of a wire without a voltage bias

In summary, the conversation discusses the impact of bias on a wire and the collision of rapid electrons with atoms. The question is raised whether these collisions warm the wire, but it is pointed out that in equilibrium conditions, the internal energy is conserved. The comparison is made to molecules in a gas, and it is stated that if no energy is transferred in or out, the internal energy is conserved.
  • #1
hokhani
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When a bias is applied to a wire, due to the resistance of a wire, the electrons colliding with the atoms make the wire warmer. However, we know that without any bias the electrons also move with very large velocity (of the order 10^5 m/s). How about the collision of these rapid electrons with atoms? Do these collisions warm the wire or not?
 
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  • #2
hokhani said:
However, we know that without any bias the electrons also move with very large velocity (of the order 10^5 m/s).
where did you read that ?
 
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  • #3
hokhani said:
When a bias is applied to a wire, due to the resistance of a wire, the electrons colliding with the atoms make the wire warmer. However, we know that without any bias the electrons also move with very large velocity (of the order 10^5 m/s). How about the collision of these rapid electrons with atoms? Do these collisions warm the wire or not?

With a bit of thought, you can answer your own question. Free electrons and atoms in a metal can be analogous to molecules in a gas. The molecules move and they collide. If you have a box of still air, does it warm itself? If not, why not? Where does the energy to move the molecules come from? Where does it go to?
 
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  • #4
davenn said:
where did you read that ?
Please see Physics(2) (Electricity & Magnetism), Resnick, Halliday, Krane, Volume Three, Fifth edition, page 665, the left column.
The sentence is: "The drift speeds of electrons in typical materials are very small compared with the speed of the random thermal motions of electrons (typically 10^6 m/s)"
 
  • #5
anorlunda said:
still
Thanks. Do you believe that in the equilibrium conditions, the thermal energy is preserved in the system?
 
  • #6
hokhani said:
Thanks. Do you believe that in the equilibrium conditions, the thermal energy is preserved in the system?

It is just like any other thermal system if no energy is transferred in or out, the internal energy is conserved.

I said still only to exclude things like a vertex in the air.

Do you understand now? Your original question was asking if thermal energy creates thermal energy.
 
  • #7
anorlunda said:
Do you understand now? Your original question was asking if thermal energy creates thermal energy.
Right, Many thanks.
 

1. What is the resistance of a wire without a voltage bias?

The resistance of a wire without a voltage bias refers to the opposition that a wire presents to the flow of electric current when there is no voltage applied to it. It is a measure of how difficult it is for electrons to move through the wire, and is typically measured in ohms (Ω).

2. How is the resistance of a wire without a voltage bias calculated?

The resistance of a wire without a voltage bias can be calculated using Ohm's Law, which states that resistance is equal to the voltage across the wire divided by the current flowing through it. This can be represented by the formula R = V/I, where R is resistance, V is voltage, and I is current.

3. Does the resistance of a wire without a voltage bias change with the length and thickness of the wire?

Yes, the resistance of a wire without a voltage bias is directly proportional to its length and inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area (thickness). This means that as the length of the wire increases, the resistance also increases, while a thicker wire will have a lower resistance compared to a thinner wire of the same material.

4. What factors can affect the resistance of a wire without a voltage bias?

The resistance of a wire without a voltage bias can be affected by various factors such as the type of material used for the wire, its length and thickness, and its temperature. Different materials have different levels of electrical conductivity, which can impact the wire's resistance. In addition, as the temperature of a wire increases, its resistance also increases.

5. How does the resistance of a wire without a voltage bias impact an electric circuit?

The resistance of a wire without a voltage bias plays a crucial role in determining the flow of electric current in a circuit. A higher resistance means that more voltage is needed to maintain the same current, which can lead to a decrease in the overall efficiency of the circuit. It is important to consider the resistance of wires when designing and building electrical circuits.

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