Chapter 18: Q9Q (page 755)

During the initial transient leading to the steady state, the electron current going into a bulb may be greater than the electron current leaving the bulb. Explain why and how these two currents come to be equal in the steady state.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The accumulated electrons due to the difference in current reduce the inward current and increase the outward current, thus equalizing the current everywhere.

Step by step solution

Given data

The electron current going into a bulb is greater than the electron current leaving the bulb.

Behavior of electrons in a circuit

If there is accumulation of electrons somewhere in a circuit, they repel the incoming electrons and push the outgoing electrons, thus steadying out the flow

Determine the mechanism of steady current formation

If the region before the bulb has more current than the region after the bulb, the flow of electrons into the bulb is greater than the outflow. This creates an accumulation of electrons near the bulb. These accumulated electrons repel further electrons from coming in, thus reducing the inward current, and repel the electrons moving out, thus increasing the outward current. This process continues until the current is equal everywhere, thus reaching steady state.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

During the initial transient leading to the steady state, the electron current going into a bulb may be greater than the electron current leaving the bulb. Explain why and how these two currents come to be equal in the steady state.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Given data

Behavior of electrons in a circuit

Determine the mechanism of steady current formation

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Famous Physicists

Solid State Physics

Scientific Method Physics

Fields in Physics

Turning Points in Physics

Fluids

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.