Conductors

Conducting material allows electric current to travel with little resistance throughout. This is related to the structure of the atoms of the conductor. In this section, we will look at what a conductor is, why it is this way, and the applications.

The Main Idea

Conductors are defined a material that allows charged particles to move easily throughout. Charges placed on the surface of a conductor will not simply sit there or only spread over the surface, it will immediately spread evenly throughout the conductor given there are no interfering forces. If the conductor is in an electric field, for example, it will cause the (negative) charges to move in the opposite direction of the field.

how conductors work atomically Electric current flows by the net movement of electric charge. This can be by electrons, ions, or other charged particles.

Conductors allow for easy movement of charged particles because of the structure of the atoms. The outermost electrons in the conductors are only loosely bound and allow for more interaction with other particles. The idea that electrons move completely free from their atom in the conductor is not entirely accurate, but it will be a perfectly working approximation for our level of analysis.

There are some factors that can change the conductance of a conductor. Shape and size, for example, affect the conductance of an object. A thicker(larger cross sectional area A in the diagram) piece will be a better conductor than a thinner piece of the same material and other dimensions in the same way that a thicker piece of wire allows for greater current flow. The larger cross sectional area allows for more flow of charge carriers. A shorter conductor will also conduct better since it has less resistance than a longer piece. Conductance itself can also change conductivity. In actively conducting electric current, the conductor heats up. This is secretly the third factor affecting conductance, temperature. Changes in temperature can cause the same object to have a different conductance under otherwise identical conditions. The most well known example of this is glass. Glass is more of an insulator at typical to cold temperatures, but becomes a good conductor at higher temperatures. Generally, metals are better conductors at cooler temperatures. This is because an increase in temperature is an increase in energy, specifically for electrons.

A Mathematical Model

What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example [math]\displaystyle{ {\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}}_{system} = \vec{F}_{net} }[/math] where p is the momentum of the system and F is the net force from the surroundings.

A Computational Model

How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript

http://www.physics-chemistry-interactive-flash-animation.com/electricity_electromagnetism_interactive/electric_conductors_insulators.htm

https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/semiconductor

Examples

Be sure to show all steps in your solution and include diagrams whenever possible

Connectedness

1. How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in?
2. How is it connected to your major?
3. Is there an interesting industrial application?

History

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See also

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Further reading

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External links

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References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_conductor

https://www.thoughtco.com/examples-of-electrical-conductors-and-insulators-608315