When current is flowing in an ordinary metal wire, the magnitude of the average velocity of the electrons is closest to
A) 1 mm/s.
B) 1 m/s.
C) the speed of light.
D) 1 km/s.
E) 10 m/s.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average velocity of electrons in a metal wire under the influence of an electric field (drift velocity) is relatively slow, typically on the order of millimeters per second. This is because, although electrons move very quickly at random due to their thermal energy, their net movement in one direction when an electric field is applied is much slower.

When Current Is Flowing in an Ordinary Metal Wire, the Magnitude