Question

Explain the drift of electons in a conductor hence define the drift velocity of electrons​

Answer 1

Answer:

The average velocity of all the free electrons in the conductor is called the drift velocity of free electrons of the conductor. When a conductor is connected to a source of emf an electric field is established in the conductor, such that E=LV.

Answer 2

Explanation:

The average velocity of all the free electrons in the conductor is called the drift velocity of free electrons of the conductor. When a conductor is connected to a source of emf an electric field is established in the conductor, such that E=

L

V

When V= potential difference across the conductor and L=length of the conductor

The electric field exerts an electrostatics force '−Ee' on each free electron in the conductor

The acceleration of each electron is given by

a

ˉ

=−

m

e

E

Where, e=electric charge on the electron and

m=mass of electron

Acceleration and electric field are in opposite directions, so the electrons attain a velocity in addition to thermal velocity in the direction opposite to that of electric field.

Where τ=relaxation time between two successive collision

Let n=number density of electrons in the conductor

N0. of free electrons in the conductor =nAL

Total charge on the conductor , q=nALe

Time taken by this charge to cover the length L of the coconducto