Why is thermal velocity of a conductor is zero?

Question

Answer

Thermal Velocity of a Conductor

Thermal velocity refers to the random motion of particles due to their kinetic energy. In the context of a conductor, it refers to the motion of free electrons that are responsible for the flow of electric current.

What is a Conductor?

A conductor is a material that allows the flow of electric current through it. Metals such as copper, aluminum, and silver are good conductors as they have free electrons that are not bound to any atom and can move freely in the metal.

Why is the Thermal Velocity of a Conductor Zero?

The thermal velocity of a conductor is zero as the free electrons responsible for the flow of electric current are already moving randomly due to their kinetic energy. In other words, the random motion of free electrons due to thermal energy is already accounted for in the flow of electric current in a conductor.

Moreover, the thermal velocity of a conductor is negligible compared to the drift velocity of electrons in a conductor. The drift velocity refers to the average velocity of electrons in a conductor due to the electric field applied across it. The drift velocity is much smaller than the thermal velocity, and hence, the thermal velocity is considered to be zero.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the thermal velocity of a conductor is zero as the random motion of free electrons due to their kinetic energy is already accounted for in the flow of electric current. The drift velocity of electrons in a conductor is much smaller than the thermal velocity, and hence, the thermal velocity is considered to be negligible.

Answer

Due to the random motion of electron in all possible direction ,average thermal velocity turns out to be zero.

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