Drift Velocity of Electrons in a Current Carrying Conductor

Introduction:
In a current carrying conductor, electrons move from the negative terminal of the battery to the positive terminal. The motion of the electrons is not constant but rather erratic. However, there is a net direction of motion that results in a current. The drift velocity is the average velocity of the electrons in the direction of the current.

Factors affecting the drift velocity:
The drift velocity of the electrons depends on various factors such as the electric field strength, the temperature of the conductor, and the number density of electrons in the conductor.

Formula for drift velocity:
The formula for drift velocity is given by:

vd = (eEτ)/m

Where,
vd = drift velocity
e = charge of an electron
E = electric field strength
τ = relaxation time of electrons
m = mass of an electron

Answer Explanation:
The drift velocity of the electrons in a current carrying conductor is of the order of 10^-4 m/s. This is because the electric field strength in a typical conductor is on the order of 10^5 V/m, and the relaxation time of electrons is on the order of 10^-14 s. Using the formula for drift velocity, we can calculate that the drift velocity of electrons is approximately 10^-4 m/s.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the drift velocity of electrons in a current carrying conductor is a function of various factors such as the electric field strength, temperature, and number density of electrons. However, the typical drift velocity in a conductor is on the order of 10^-4 m/s.