Question

Steady State:
In thermal conduction, steady state is achieved after infinite time ; where as for electric current, steady state is achieved (almost) instantly. Why?

Answer 1

As an example;

Thermal conduction : Consider a rod whose ends are maintained at temperature T_1 and T_2

Electric current : Consider a piece of wire whose ends are maintained at potential V_1 and V_2

Answer 2

@Vincent-Lyon.Fr
@Mashy
@douglaswinslowcooper
@agent0smith
@ybarrap

Answer 3

No.. theoretically even electric current requires infinite time to reach steady state

that depends on the value of inductance.. usually inductance is very low.. and thus transients die out much faster!

Answer 4

Inductance arises in circular loops ; but I am talking about straight wire (I know such a circuit is not practical).

Also, I can't think of an analogy to inductance for thermal conduction.

Answer 5

every electric circuit IS a loop ;-).. and so has inductace.. and that is the reason, why current cannot instantly shoot to max value when you close the circuit!

Answer 6

"every electric circuit IS a loop ;-).. and so has inductace"
I know, but the same reasoning is not applicable to thermal conductivity.

Answer 7

yea.. well the physics of transient state is really hard.. and you ll need more than classical mechanics to deal with it!

Answer 8

:'(

Answer 9

Still, thanxx for your time :)

Answer 10

wait wait.. why did you close.??? others could may have the answer.. unclose it :P

Answer 11

I had to ask another question..also I already tagged the experts, they'll see it whenever they come online..

Answer 12

It is only a matter of time constant.
For electric phenomena, it is extremely small, much smaller than standard periods of electric signals, whereas for heat, the order of magnitude is hours or days.

Answer 13

Yes, electrical conductivity is extremely high for conductors. Time constants for charging with resistance, RC, can be much smaller than heating a volume through conduction, the analogous process.