Define current density in a conductor.
1 Answer
Current density is a physical quantity used to describe the distribution of electric current within a conductor. It is defined as the amount of electric current flowing through a unit cross-sectional area of the conductor perpendicular to the direction of the current. In mathematical terms, current density (
J) is given by the ratio of the electric current (
I) passing through a small area (
A) to the area itself:
=
J=
A
I
Where:
J is the current density (measured in Amperes per square meter, A/m²).
I is the electric current (measured in Amperes, A).
A is the cross-sectional area through which the current is passing (measured in square meters, m²).
Current density is a useful concept because it helps us understand how the electric current is distributed within a conductor. In a homogeneous conductor, the current density is typically uniform, meaning it is the same throughout the cross-section. However, in more complex scenarios or non-uniform materials, the current density can vary across the conductor.
J) is given by the ratio of the electric current (
I) passing through a small area (
A) to the area itself:
=
J=
A
I
Where:
J is the current density (measured in Amperes per square meter, A/m²).
I is the electric current (measured in Amperes, A).
A is the cross-sectional area through which the current is passing (measured in square meters, m²).
Current density is a useful concept because it helps us understand how the electric current is distributed within a conductor. In a homogeneous conductor, the current density is typically uniform, meaning it is the same throughout the cross-section. However, in more complex scenarios or non-uniform materials, the current density can vary across the conductor.