Question:
The drift velocity of electrons in a conductor is of the order of
The drift velocity of electrons in a conductor is of the order of
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People often wonder why lights turn on instantly if electrons move so slowly. It's because the \textbf{electric field} (which pushes the electrons) travels at nearly the speed of light, even though the individual electrons move like snails!
Updated On: Apr 24, 2026
- $10^{-4}~ms^{-1}$
- $10^{8}~ms^{-1}$
- $3 \times 10^{8}~ms^{-1}$
- $1~ms^{-1}$
- $10^{2}~ms^{-1}$
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
Physics - Mechanism of Current Flow.
Step 1: Define drift velocity.
Drift velocity is the average velocity attained by charged particles (electrons) in a material due to an electric field.
Step 2: Analyze electron motion.
Inside a conductor, electrons move randomly at very high thermal speeds (approx $10^5~ms^{-1}$), but their net displacement is zero. When a potential difference is applied, they "drift" slowly against the field.
Step 3: Identify the scale of magnitude.
Experimental data and calculations for standard copper wires shows that drift velocity is extremely slow, typically a few millimeters per second or approximately $10^{-4}~ms^{-1}$.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The order of magnitude is $10^{-4}~ms^{-1}$.
Physics - Mechanism of Current Flow.
Step 1: Define drift velocity.
Drift velocity is the average velocity attained by charged particles (electrons) in a material due to an electric field.
Step 2: Analyze electron motion.
Inside a conductor, electrons move randomly at very high thermal speeds (approx $10^5~ms^{-1}$), but their net displacement is zero. When a potential difference is applied, they "drift" slowly against the field.
Step 3: Identify the scale of magnitude.
Experimental data and calculations for standard copper wires shows that drift velocity is extremely slow, typically a few millimeters per second or approximately $10^{-4}~ms^{-1}$.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The order of magnitude is $10^{-4}~ms^{-1}$.
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