Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 26 - Current and Resistance - Questions - Page 765: 11a

Answer

We can rank the wires according to the magnitude of the electric field at the center: $a = c \gt b$

Work Step by Step

We can consider the equation: $~~E = \rho~J$ Since the wires are made from the same material, then $\rho$ is equal for all three wires. Therefore, the magnitude of the electric field is greater when the current density $J$ is greater. At $r = 0$, wire a and wire c have the same current density $J$, while $J=0$ in wire b. We can rank the wires according to the magnitude of the electric field at the center: $a = c \gt b$
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