Step 1: Understanding the concept.
The drift velocity of electrons in a conductor is affected by temperature. As the temperature increases, the resistivity of the conductor generally increases due to more frequent collisions between electrons and atoms. These collisions reduce the drift velocity of the electrons.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(1) varies linearly with temperature: This is incorrect. The drift velocity does not vary linearly with temperature.
(2) does not depend on the temperature: This is incorrect. The drift velocity is indeed affected by the temperature of the conductor.
(3) increases with increasing temperature: This is incorrect. An increase in temperature causes more atomic vibrations, which increases resistance and decreases the drift velocity.
(4) decreases with increasing temperature: Correct. As the temperature increases, the drift velocity of electrons decreases due to increased resistance in the conductor.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (4) decreases with increasing temperature, as the drift velocity of electrons decreases with an increase in temperature due to increased collisions with the atomic lattice.