The path of motion of free electrons in a metal is:a)straight lineb)circularc)parabolicd)zig-zagCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

The path of motion of free electrons in a metal is in zig zag or random manner..

Let's make it crisp and clear

Everything has some random motion. Thermometers give one way of measuring how much random motion there is. High temperature means the little parts are jiggling around more. This happens because there are many more states with things moving around than there are states with everything locked in place. What is sort of special about the electrons in conductors is that they can move rather quickly across a material, rather than just jiggling around in a small region, like atoms in a solid.

I think u will understand it clearly..

Answer

In metals, the free electrons move in all directions in a zig-zag manner. Hence, there is no current in the metal. When potential difference is applied across the metal almost all the electrons Start moving opposite to the direction of the potential, hence current begins to flow.

Answer

The path of motion of free electrons in a metal is zig-zag. This means that the electrons do not follow a straight line or a circular or parabolic path, but rather move in a random manner within the lattice structure of the metal.

Explanation:

1. Introduction:
- The motion of electrons in a metal is influenced by the presence of other electrons and the lattice structure of the metal.
- Unlike in a vacuum or a non-conducting material, where electrons can move freely without any hindrance, the lattice structure of a metal provides obstacles for their motion.

2. Random Motion:
- The free electrons in a metal experience collisions with other electrons and lattice ions.
- These collisions cause the electrons to change direction and move in a zig-zag pattern.
- The random motion of electrons is a result of their interactions with the lattice structure and thermal vibrations.

3. Lattice Structure:
- The lattice structure of a metal consists of a regular arrangement of positive ions (nuclei) surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalized electrons.
- The positive ions attract the negatively charged electrons, creating a force that tends to pull the electrons back towards the lattice.
- However, the kinetic energy of the electrons allows them to overcome this force and move away from the lattice.

4. Electron-Electron Interactions:
- The presence of other electrons in the metal also affects the motion of free electrons.
- Electrons repel each other due to their negative charges, leading to scattering and collisions.
- These interactions cause the electrons to change direction and follow a zig-zag path.

5. Thermal Vibrations:
- At room temperature, the atoms in a metal vibrate due to thermal energy.
- These thermal vibrations can cause the lattice structure to fluctuate, creating additional obstacles for the motion of electrons.
- As a result, the electrons experience further scattering and their path becomes even more random.

In conclusion, the motion of free electrons in a metal is best described as zig-zag due to their interactions with the lattice structure, collisions with other electrons, and the thermal vibrations of the metal. This random motion is essential for the conductivity of metals and plays a crucial role in various electrical and thermal properties.

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