What Is the Electric Field Magnitude in the Copper Section of a Composite Wire?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a composite wire made of silver and copper, where participants are tasked with determining the electric field magnitude in the copper section given a potential difference and the dimensions of the wires. The subject area encompasses concepts of electric fields, resistivity, and current in conductive materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of current and current density, with attempts to apply formulas involving resistivity and cross-sectional area. Questions arise regarding the correct values for resistivity and the methodology for finding the electric field in the copper section.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning the accuracy of their values. Some guidance has been offered regarding the potential for incorrect resistivity values, and there is an exploration of different approaches to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can access or use. There is also a discussion about the resistivity values for the materials involved, which may affect the calculations.

aeris
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Efield in Composite Wire..Pls help!

Homework Statement


A 2.0m length of wire is made by welding the end of a 1.2m long silver wire to the end of an 0.8m long copper wire. Each piece of wire is 0.60mm in diameter. The wire is at room temperature. A potential difference of 5.0V is maintained between the ends of the 2.0m composite wire. What is the magnitude of E in the copper?



Homework Equations


E='roe'J , 'roe' is resistivity
J=I/A, A is cross sectional area
I= 45amperes
A= 2.827*10^-7 sqm

Resistivity of copper= 1.72*10^-8
Resistivity of silver= 1.47*10^-8

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to calculate J first by substituting in values of I and A using the formula J=I/A and multiplying by 'roe'_copper but i still can't get the right answer! I would like to ask the concept behind the E of a composite wire too..
 
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First, if you could post what you've done it might be easier to spot a mistake. Secondly what value were you using for I?
 
Mmm.. i found out that I=45amperes and A=2.827*10^-7 sqm and found out that J=1.59*10^8. To find E in copper section i multiplied this J by 'roe'_copper= 1.72*10^-8 to get E=2.74V/m. But the answer is wrong. thanks!
 
When I work out the current I get something different. I take it you found current by:

I = \frac{VA}{\rho l}
 
Last edited:
Yup i found it by using this formula whereby i added the resistance of each component using their respective length and 'roe' since they are in series before dividing 5V with the total resistance to get 45amperes.
i obtained J by I/A, where I=45amperes and A= 2.827*10^-7 sqm to get J=1.59*10^8 A/m^2.
I can't get the idea of finding E using E= 'roe'_copper*J to find E in copper section though.
 
It could just be that you are using the wrong resistivity for silver. It is listed as 1.59x10-8 elsewhere.
 

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