A wire's diameter decreases linearly from d_i to d_f = d_i/2. If the electron drift velocity at the other end of the wire is v_i, then the drift velocity at the end whose diameter is d_i/2 A) decreases by a factor of 2. B) increases by a factor of 2. C) increases by a factor of 4. D) remains the same.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The drift velocity of electrons in a conductor is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of the conductor. When the diameter of the wire is halved, its cross-sectional area decreases by a factor of 4 (since area ∝ diameter^2), leading to a fourfold increase in the electron drift velocity.

A Wire's Diameter Decreases Linearly from Di to Df =

A Wire's Diameter Decreases Linearly from D_i to D_f =