Question

when electrons drift in a metal from lower to higher potential does it mean that all the free electrons of the metal are moving in the same direction

Answer 1

No. When electric field is applied, the net drift of the electrons is from lower to higher potential. But, locally electrons collide with ions and may change its direction during the course of their motion.

Answer 2

Hey !!

When an electric field is applied, he net drift of electrons will be from lower to higher potential while local electrons tends to collide with ion resulting in change of directions. So, not all free electons of metal will move in similar direction since drift velocity superpose only over random velocities of electrons.

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