Heating Effect of Electric Current || Class 12

 Heating Effect of Electric Current

When a  potential difference is applied across the ends of a conductor, an electric field is set up across the conductor. The free electrons of the conductor are accelerated  ( during the intervals between collisions with the ions or atoms) in the direction opposite to that of the electric field. As a result, the free electrons acquire extra kinetic energy in addition to their own kinetic energy (due to their thermal motion). Now, these electrons impart more kinetic energy to the atoms of the lattice during collisions. As a result of the amplitude fo thermal vibrations of the ions and atoms of the lattice increases. So the number of collisions between free electrons and ions in the lattice increases. Thus more work is done to carry free electrons from one end of the conductor to the other end. This work done is converted into heat energy of the conductor.

Examples- Electric lamp, Electric heater, OTG(Oven-Toaster-Griller), Electric Geyser, Immersion rod(water-heater), Electric Welding, Arc -furnace, Electric iron, etc.