Tutorial 8

1 Show that the current density (J) in a conductor is given by the product of the conductivity
(σ) and the applied electric field (E) to the conductor. (6)
2 A current density of 100,000 A cm2 is applied to a gold wire 50 m in length. The resistance
of the wire is found to be 2 ohm. Calculate the diameter of the wire and the voltage applied to
the wire. (5)
3 Assuming that all of the valence electrons contribute to current flow calculate:
(a) The mobility of an electron in iron (BCC, a0 = 0.2866 nm). (6)
(b) The average drift velocity for electrons in a 100 cm iron wire when 10 V are applied.
(4)

4. Differentiate between n and p type semiconductors. (6)

5 For silicon at 25°C estimate:

(a) the number of charge carriers, (5)

(b) the fraction of the total electrons in the valence band that are excited into the conduction
band, (5)
(c) the constant n0. (4)
6. Explain the terms valence band, conduction band and energy gap with the help of suitable
diagrams. (9)
7 Explain the effects of temperature and atomic defects on the conductivity of metals and
alloys . (10)
8. What are superconductors? Give some applications of superconductors. (7)