Question

Consider the statements A and B in question 5. Thomson Effect is caused
(a) due to both A and B
(b) due to A but not due to B
(c) due to B but not due to A
(d) neither due to A nor due to B

Answer 1

(c) due to B but not due to A

If a metallic conductor has non-uniform temperature distribution along its length, the density of the free electrons is different for different sections. The electrons diffuse from the sections with higher concentration to those with lower concentration of free electrons. Thus, there is an emf inside the metal that is known as Thomson emf. If a current is forced through the given conductor, positive and negative work is done on the charge carriers, depending on the direction of current. Thus, thermal energy is either produced or absorbed. Thus, the correct cause of the given effect is given by statement B alone.