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NEET PHYSICSThermal Properties of MatterMedium

Question

Two metal wires of identical dimensions are connected in series. If σ1\sigma_1 and σ2\sigma_2 are the conductivities of the metal wires respectively, the effective conductivity of the combination is:

A

2σ1σ2σ1+σ2\frac{2\sigma_1\sigma_2}{\sigma_1+\sigma_2}

B

σ1+σ22σ1σ2\frac{\sigma_1+\sigma_2}{2\sigma_1\sigma_2}

C

σ1+σ2σ1σ2\frac{\sigma_1+\sigma_2}{\sigma_1\sigma_2}

D

σ1σ2σ1+σ2\frac{\sigma_1\sigma_2}{\sigma_1+\sigma_2}

Step-by-Step Solution

Let the length of each wire be ll and the area of cross-section be AA. The resistance of a wire is related to its conductivity σ\sigma by the formula R=lσAR = \frac{l}{\sigma A}. For the first wire, R1=lσ1AR_1 = \frac{l}{\sigma_1 A}. For the second wire, R2=lσ2AR_2 = \frac{l}{\sigma_2 A}. When the wires are connected in series, their equivalent resistance ReqR_{eq} is the sum of their individual resistances: Req=R1+R2=lσ1A+lσ2A=lA(1σ1+1σ2)=lA(σ1+σ2σ1σ2)R_{eq} = R_1 + R_2 = \frac{l}{\sigma_1 A} + \frac{l}{\sigma_2 A} = \frac{l}{A} \left( \frac{1}{\sigma_1} + \frac{1}{\sigma_2} \right) = \frac{l}{A} \left( \frac{\sigma_1 + \sigma_2}{\sigma_1 \sigma_2} \right). For the equivalent composite wire, the total length is leq=l+l=2ll_{eq} = l + l = 2l, and the area of cross-section remains the same (Aeq=AA_{eq} = A). Let its effective conductivity be σeq\sigma_{eq}. The equivalent resistance can also be written as: Req=leqσeqAeq=2lσeqAR_{eq} = \frac{l_{eq}}{\sigma_{eq} A_{eq}} = \frac{2l}{\sigma_{eq} A}. Equating the two expressions for ReqR_{eq}: 2lσeqA=lA(σ1+σ2σ1σ2)\frac{2l}{\sigma_{eq} A} = \frac{l}{A} \left( \frac{\sigma_1 + \sigma_2}{\sigma_1 \sigma_2} \right) 2σeq=σ1+σ2σ1σ2\frac{2}{\sigma_{eq}} = \frac{\sigma_1 + \sigma_2}{\sigma_1 \sigma_2} σeq=2σ1σ2σ1+σ2\sigma_{eq} = \frac{2\sigma_1\sigma_2}{\sigma_1+\sigma_2}.

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET PHYSICS syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from Thermal Properties of Matter. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

PHYSICSThermal Properties of Matteridenticaldimensionsconnectedseriesconductivities

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