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Grade Upto college levelElectrostatics

A solid conductor of circular cross section with a radius of 5 mm has a conductivity which varies with radius.

The conductor is 20 m long and there is a potential

difference of 0.1 V dc, between ends. Within the conductor H = 10

52a' A/m2.

Find

 as a function of  and the resistance between the two ends.

Profile image of murali krishna
16 Years agoGrade Upto college level
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1 Answer

Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

To tackle this problem, we need to analyze the given conductor's properties and how they relate to the electric field and resistance. The conductor has a circular cross-section, a specific length, and a potential difference applied across its ends. Let's break this down step by step.

Understanding the Parameters

We have a solid conductor with the following specifications:

  • Radius (r) = 5 mm = 0.005 m
  • Length (L) = 20 m
  • Potential difference (V) = 0.1 V
  • Magnetic field intensity (H) = 10^5 A/m²

Finding the Electric Field (E)

The relationship between the electric field (E) and the magnetic field intensity (H) in a conductor can be described using Ohm's law in its differential form:

J = σE, where J is the current density, σ is the conductivity, and E is the electric field.

Since we have a uniform magnetic field, we can relate the current density to the magnetic field intensity:

J = H * σ

From the above equations, we can express E in terms of H and σ:

E = J / σ = (H * σ) / σ = H

Thus, the electric field E is equal to the magnetic field intensity H in this case.

Calculating the Resistance (R)

The resistance of a conductor can be calculated using the formula:

R = ρ * (L / A)

Where:

  • ρ = resistivity (inverse of conductivity, ρ = 1/σ)
  • L = length of the conductor
  • A = cross-sectional area of the conductor

The cross-sectional area A of a circular conductor is given by:

A = πr² = π(0.005 m)² = π(25 x 10^-6 m²) ≈ 7.85 x 10^-5 m²

Finding Conductivity (σ)

To find the conductivity σ, we need to relate it to the electric field and the potential difference:

Using Ohm's law, V = E * L, we can express E as:

E = V / L = 0.1 V / 20 m = 0.005 V/m

Now, we can find the conductivity σ using the relationship:

σ = J / E = (H * σ) / E

From our previous calculations, we know H = 10^5 A/m² and E = 0.005 V/m. Rearranging gives us:

σ = H / E = 10^5 A/m² / 0.005 V/m = 2 x 10^7 S/m

Calculating Resistivity (ρ)

Now that we have σ, we can find the resistivity ρ:

ρ = 1 / σ = 1 / (2 x 10^7 S/m) = 5 x 10^-8 Ω·m

Final Calculation of Resistance (R)

Substituting the values into the resistance formula:

R = ρ * (L / A) = (5 x 10^-8 Ω·m) * (20 m / 7.85 x 10^-5 m²)

Calculating this gives:

R ≈ (5 x 10^-8) * (254.65) ≈ 1.27 x 10^-5 Ω

Summary of Results

In summary, the conductivity σ as a function of radius is constant in this case, approximately 2 x 10^7 S/m, and the resistance between the two ends of the conductor is approximately 1.27 x 10^-5 Ω. This analysis illustrates how the properties of the conductor interact with the applied potential difference and the resulting electric field.