If the temperature of a good conductor decreases, how does the relaxation time of electrons in the conductor change?

When the temperature of a good conductor decreases, the number of collisions of electrons also decreases. Hence, the time of free travel increases or relaxation time increases.
OR
If the temperature of a good conductor decreases, its resistance decreases. Since,

R = ρ \frac{l}{A}

R = \frac{m}{{ne}^{2} τ} \frac{l}{A} \leq 0, R \propto 1 / τ \Rightarrow τ \propto 1 / R;

so time of relaxation increases.

527 Views

Current Electricity

Hope you found this question and answer to be good. Find many more questions on Current Electricity with answers for your assignments and practice.

Physics Part I

Browse through more topics from Physics Part I for questions and snapshot.