Estimate the average drift speed of conduction electrons in a copper wire of cross-sectional area 1.0 × 10−7 m2 carrying a current of 1.5 A. Assume the density of conduction electrons to be 9 × 1028 m−3.
Given: -
Cross-section area, A = 1.0 × 10−7 m2
Current, I = 1.5 A
Density of electrons, n = 9 × 1028 m−3.
Formula: -
The drift speed of the electrons is given by,
Where, vd is the drift speed of the electrons, I is the current, A is the area of cross section, e is the electronic charge and n is the density of electrons,
Calculations: -
vd = 0.104 × 10-2 m/s
vd = 1.04 × 10-3 m/s or 1.04 mm/s
Conclusion: -
The average drift speed of conduction electrons is 1.04 mm/s.
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