A current carrying conductor produces (1) only heat (2) only magnetic field (3) Both heat and magnetic field (4) None of the above

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Both heat and magnetic field.

Step by step solution

01

Recall Ohm's Law

Ohm's Law states that the current passing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points, and inversely proportional to the resistance between them. Mathematically, it is represented as I = V/R, where I is the current, V is the voltage, and R is the resistance.
02

Identify the generation of heat

When a current passes through a conductor, some of the electrical energy is converted into heat due to the movement of electrons in the conductor. This heat generation is described by Joule's Law, which states that the power (P) dissipated as heat in a resistor is equal to the square of the current (I) multiplied by the resistance (R): P = I^2 * R.
03

Identify the generation of magnetic field

When an electric current passes through a conductor, it generates a magnetic field around it. This phenomenon is described by Ampere's Law, which relates the magnetic field (B) around a closed loop to the electric current (I) passing through the loop.
04

Determine the answer

Based on the analysis of heat generation by Joule's Law and magnetic field generation by Ampere's Law, we find that a current carrying conductor produces both heat and a magnetic field. Therefore, the correct answer is option (3) Both heat and magnetic field.

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.

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

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Ohm's Law
We encounter Ohm's Law in various applications that involve electric circuits. It is the fundamental principle that governs the flow of current through conductors. According to this principle, the current (\( I \)) that flows through most conductors is directly proportional to the voltage (\( V \)) across it. The mathematical relationship is given by the equation \( I = \frac{V}{R} \), where \( R \) denotes the resistance of the material. Simply put, if you increase the voltage, the current will increase, provided the resistance remains constant.

Ohm's Law helps in determining the amount of electric current that will pass through the conductor when a certain voltage is applied. This is crucial for ensuring that electrical devices operate safely and effectively without overloading the circuit. The law is named after the German physicist Georg Simon Ohm who first formulated this relationship in 1827.
Joule's Law
When we talk about electricity, we often discuss its capacity to do work, which can take different forms, including light, motion, and heat. Joule's Law focuses on the heat aspect. It states that the heat produced by an electric current is proportional to the square of the current (\( I^2 \)), the resistance of the conductor (\( R \)), and the time for which the current flows. The formula for this relationship is \( P = I^2 \times R \), wherein the power (\( P \) in watts) dissipated in the form of heat can be calculated.

This law is imperative as it explains why elements in devices such as toasters and heaters get hot when a current flows through them. In the context of safety, it also underscores the importance of using materials with the proper resistance in electrical systems to prevent overheating and potential fires.
Ampere's Law
Ampere's Law is one of the foundational equations of electromagnetism that offers a way to compute the magnetic field (\( B \) in teslas) in a space based on the electric current that produces it. This relationship can be quite complex in some scenarios, but a simpler form states that the line integral of the magnetic field around a closed loop is equal to the permeability of free space (\( \mu_0 \) in henrys per meter) times the electric current passing through the loop.

This law is named after André-Marie Ampère, a French mathematician and physicist. It's particularly useful in the design of electrical devices like transformers and inductors where magnetic fields are crucial for operation. Understanding Ampere's Law is also important when looking at the environmental influence of high-current power lines, where the magnetic field could affect surrounding areas.
Electrical Energy Conversion
At the heart of any electrical application is the conversion of electrical energy into other forms, such as mechanical energy in motors or light in bulbs. Through the principles described in Joule's and Ohm's laws, a current-carrying conductor converts electrical energy primarily into heat, but it can also perform work by powering devices.

Electrical energy conversion is thus a significant concept which ensures that electric power is utilized efficiently. It is essential for engineers to understand energy conversion so they can design systems that efficiently convert electric energy into the desired form with minimal losses, whether for small electronic devices or large industrial machinery.
Magnetic Field Generation
Magnetic fields are a fascinating phenomenon arising from electric currents, as per Ampere's Law. When a current flows through a conductor, it creates a circular magnetic field around the conductor, the direction of which is given by the right-hand rule. This effect is the operating principle behind electromagnets, which are used in a wide array of devices from electric bells to MRI machines.

Understanding magnetic field generation is key in both analyzing and designing electromagnetic systems. For instance, it allows us to control the strength and orientation of magnetic fields in applications requiring precise manipulation of magnetic forces.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free