In a conductor carrying a current we expect the electron drift speed to be:
A)much greater than the average electron speed
B)much less than the average electron speed
C)about the same as the average electron speed
D)less than the electron speed at low temperature and greater than the electron speed at high temperature
E)less than the electron speed at high temperature and greater than the electron speed at low temperature

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electron drift speed is the average speed at which free electrons drift through a conductor under the influence of an electric field. This speed is much less than the average electron speed because as electrons move through the conductor, they collide with atoms and other electrons, causing them to lose energy and slow down.

In a Conductor Carrying a Current We Expect the Electron