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: 11c

Answer

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

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 $r = R$, wire a and wire b have the same current density $J$, while $J = 0$ in wire c. We can rank the wires according to the magnitude of the electric field at the surface: $a = b \gt c$
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