Chapter 23, Problem 1RCQ

To determine

The condition is necessary for the flow of heat and analogous condition for the flow of charge.

Answer to Problem 1RCQ

Solution:

The condition necessary for the flow of heat is the difference in temperature between two objects. The analogous condition necessary for the flow of charge is an electrical potential difference between two points with a medium for the flow of charges under an external field.

Explanation of Solution

The heat will flow from one object to another only where there is a temperature difference between two objects. The heat will flow from higher temperature to lower temperature means from a hotter body to a colder body to achieve thermal equilibrium and after that heat flow would stop. The charges flow when there are an external electric field and a non-zero electric potential difference between two points with some medium (conductor) for the free charges to move in.

Conclusion:

Thus, for the flow of heat, the difference in temperature between two objects is necessary and for the flow of charge, the electrical potential difference between two points with a medium for charges to move is necessary.