Two metal wires of identical dimensions are connected in series. If $\sigma _1$ and $\sigma _2$ are the conducti­vities of the metal wires respectively, the effective conductivity of the combination is
AIPMT 2015,JEE MAIN 2022, Medium
Download our app for free and get startedPlay store
As both metal wires are of identical dimensions, so their length and area of cross-section will be same. Let them be $l$ and $A$ respectively. Then the resistance of the first wire is

$R_{1}=\frac{l}{\sigma_{1} A}$         ...$(i)$

and that of the second wire is

$R_{2}=\frac{l}{\sigma_{2} A}$        ....$(ii)$

As they are connected in series, so their effective

resistance is

$R_{s} =R_{1}+R_{2} $

$=\frac{l}{\sigma_{1} A}+\frac{l}{\sigma_{2} A}$       $ \quad(\text { using }(\mathrm{i}) \text { and (ii) })$

$=\frac{l}{A}\left(\frac{1}{\sigma_{1}}+\frac{1}{\sigma_{2}}\right)$       ....$(iii)$

If $\sigma_{\mathrm{eff}}$ is the effective conductivity of the combination, then

$R_{s}=\frac{2 l}{\sigma_{\mathrm{eff}} A}$        ....$(iv)$

Equating eqns. $(iii)$ and $(iv),$ we get

${\frac{2 l}{\sigma_{\mathrm{eff}} A}=\frac{l}{A}\left(\frac{1}{\sigma_{1}}+\frac{1}{\sigma_{2}}\right)} $

${\frac{2}{\sigma_{\mathrm{eff}}}=\frac{\sigma_{2}+\sigma_{1}}{\sigma_{1} \sigma_{2}} \text { or } \sigma_{\mathrm{eff}}=\frac{2 \sigma_{1} \sigma_{2}}{\sigma_{1}+\sigma_{2}}}$

art

Download our app
and get started for free

Experience the future of education. Simply download our apps or reach out to us for more information. Let's shape the future of learning together!No signup needed.*

Similar Questions

  • 1
    Ohm's law fails in
    View Solution
  • 2
    The ammeter $A$ reads $2\, A$ and the voltmeter $V$ reads $20\, V$. the value of resistance $R$ is (Assuming finite resistance's of ammeter and voltmeter)
    View Solution
  • 3
    In the circuit shown below, if the potential at point $A$ is taken to be zero, the potential at point $B$ is .............. $V$
    View Solution
  • 4
    A $1\,m$ long wire is broken into two unequal parts $X$ and $Y$ The $X$ part of the wire is streched into another wire $W$. Length of $W$ is twice the length of $X$ and the resistance of $W$ is twice that of $Y$. Find the ratio of length of $X$ and $Y$.
    View Solution
  • 5
    A copper wire of resistance $R$ is cut into ten parts of equal length. Two pieces each are joined in series and then five such combinations are joined in parallel. The new combination will have a resistance
    View Solution
  • 6
    Copper and silicon is cooled from $300\; K$ to $60\; K$, the specific resistance
    View Solution
  • 7
    In the circuit shown in the figure below, which of the following statement is incorrect ?
    View Solution
  • 8
    The effective resistance between $A$ and $B$, if resistance of each resistor is $R$, will be
    View Solution
  • 9
    Coefficient of linear expansion of material of resistor is $\alpha$. Its temperature coefficient of resistivity and resistance are $\alpha_\rho$ and $\alpha_R$ respectively, then correct relation is
    View Solution
  • 10
    Voltmeters $V_1$ and $V_2$ are connected in series across a $D.C.$ line. $V_1$ reads $80\, volts$ and has a per volt resistance of $200 \,\Omega$. $V_2$ has a total resistance of $32 \,kilo-ohms$. The line voltage is ............. 
    View Solution