Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Electric Current in Conductors
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · Electric Current in Conductors
Suppose a metallic resistor is connected across a battery. If the...
Suppose a metallic resistor is connected across a battery. If the number of collisions of the free electrons with the lattice in the resistor is somehow reduced (for instance, by cooling it), the current will
Options
- Aremain constant
- Bbecome zero
- Cincrease
- Ddecrease
Correct answer
C. increase
Step-by-step solution
The drift velocity of free electrons in a metallic conductor is given by , where is the relaxation time (the average time between successive collisions).
If the number of collisions of free electrons with the lattice is reduced, the relaxation time increases.
As a result, the drift velocity of the electrons increases.
The electric current flowing through the resistor is given by .
Since the drift velocity increases, the current will increase.
Alternatively, the resistance of the conductor is . An increase in leads to a decrease in resistance . For a constant potential difference provided by the battery, the current will increase.
If the number of collisions of free electrons with the lattice is reduced, the relaxation time increases.
As a result, the drift velocity of the electrons increases.
The electric current flowing through the resistor is given by .
Since the drift velocity increases, the current will increase.
Alternatively, the resistance of the conductor is . An increase in leads to a decrease in resistance . For a constant potential difference provided by the battery, the current will increase.