Consider a block of conducting material of resistivity $\rho$ shown in the figure. Current $I$ enters at $A$ and leaves from $D$. We apply the superposition principle to find the voltage $\Delta V$ developed between $B$ and $C$. The calculation is done in the following steps:
$(i)$ Take current $I$ entering from $A$ and assume it to spread over a hemispherical surface in the block.
$(ii)$ Calculate field $E(r)$ at distance $r$ from $A$ by using Ohm's law $E = \rho j$,where $j$ is the current per unit area at $r$.
$(iii)$ From the $r$ dependence of $E(r)$,obtain the potential $V(r)$ at $r$.
$(iv)$ Repeat $(i)$,$(ii)$ and $(iii)$ for current $I$ leaving $D$ and superpose results for $A$ and $D$.
For current entering at $A$,the electric field at a distance $r$ from $A$ is

  • A
    $\frac{\rho I}{4 \pi r^2}$
  • B
    $\frac{\rho I}{8 \pi r^2}$
  • C
    $\frac{\rho I}{r^2}$
  • D
    $\frac{\rho I}{2 \pi r^2}$

Explore More

Similar Questions

Wires $P$ and $Q$ have the same resistance at room temperature. When heated,the resistance of $P$ increases and that of $Q$ decreases. We conclude that:

The cross-sections of wires made of the same material and having the same length are shown in the figure. What can be said about their resistances?

What is electrical resistance $(R)$? On which factors does the resistance value depend?

Difficult
View Solution

$A$ wire of length $5\,m$ and radius $1\,mm$ has a resistance of $1\,\Omega$. What length of the wire of the same material at the same temperature and of radius $2\,mm$ will also have a resistance of $1\,\Omega$?

$A$ wire of resistance $R$ is elongated $n$-fold to make a new uniform wire. What is the resistance of the new wire?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo