Question

What happens when current is passed in an antimony-bismuth couple?

• A. The junction becomes hot when current flows from antimony to bismuth
• B. The junction becomes hot when the current flows from bismuth to antimony
• C. Both junctions become hot
• D. Both junctions become cold

Answer 1

The correct option is B

The junction becomes hot when the current flows from bismuth to antimony

Peltier effect:

1. The Peltier effect is the inverse of the Seebeck effect.
2. An electrical current passing through a junction joining various materials would release or absorb heat per unit duration at the junction to counterbalance or equalize the differential in chemical potential between the two components.
3. When a current passes from bismuth to antimony, the junction gets heated due to the Peltier effect.

Therefore, option B is the correct answer.