Question

Which is true about the spacing of the streamlines in a wire?

Answer 1

The statement " Close spacing represents greater current densities" is true about the spacing of the streamlines in a wire (option F)

Why is this correct?

In a scenario where a conductor is wider on the left and narrower on the right, the electric field lines and current density are depicted by streamlines. With current flowing from the wider end to the narrower end, the total charge and current remain constant. However, the current density fluctuates, being higher at the narrower end.

Hence, when observing streamlines, closer spacing within the wire signifies a higher current density, specifically in the narrower sections compared to the wider ones.

Complete question:

Which is true about the spacing of the streamlines in a wire?

A. Wide spacing represents faster random-motion velocities.

B. Wide spacing represents greater electric field vectors.

C. Wide spacing represents greater current densities.

D. Close spacing represents faster random-motion velocities.

E. Close spacing represents greater electric field vectors.

F. Close spacing represents greater current densities.

Answer 2

Complete question

Which is true about the spacing of the streamlines in a wire?

A. Wide spacing represents faster random-motion velocities.

B. Wide spacing represents greater electric field vectors.

C. Wide spacing represents greater current densities.

D. Close spacing represents faster random-motion velocities.

E. Close spacing represents greater electric field vectors.

F. Close spacing represents greater current densities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The streamline of the of a wire represent the current density.

Closing the space will make the field stronger and it will increase the movement of electron and the current density will increase.

Density of electric field lines is inversely proportional to the radius in the case of a single point charge.

So if the lines are closed together (i.e the radius reduces) the density of the electric field increase.

So both option E and F are correct.

E. Close spacing represents greater electric field vectors.

F. Close spacing represents greater current densities.