What Force Causes Drift Velocity Increase in Wires of Different Diameters?

In summary, current entering from a wire with a larger diameter to one with a smaller diameter causes an increase in drift velocity. This is due to the relationship between current, drift velocity, and cross-sectional area of the conductor. As the area decreases, the drift velocity increases. This increase in drift velocity is a result of conservation of energy, similar to Bernoulli's principle in fluid dynamics.
  • #1
Himal kharel
79
0
consider two wires of different diameter. when current enters from that of greater diameter to lesser diameter drift velocity increases. which force causes it to increase?
 
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  • #2
it is really simple.
we have,current(I) through a conductor of the crossectional area of A is the product of the drift velocity(v) of the moving charges ,the area(A) and number of electrons(n)*the charge of a electron(e).hence
I=venA
or, v=I/(enA)
this relation shows that drift5 velocity is inversely proportional to the area of crosssection of the conductor.Hence if area decreases drift velocity increases.
HOPE THIS HELPS HIMAL
 
  • #3
I don't think there's an external force involved, as it seems you have in mind, rather conservation of energy causes the drift velocity to increase, similar to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernoulli%27s_principle" [Broken] in fluid dynamics.
 
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1. What is drift velocity?

Drift velocity is the average velocity of charged particles, such as electrons, in a particular direction due to the application of an electric field.

2. How does the diameter of a wire affect drift velocity?

The diameter of a wire affects drift velocity because it determines the cross-sectional area available for the movement of charged particles. A larger diameter wire will have a larger cross-sectional area, allowing for more particles to flow through it, resulting in a higher drift velocity.

3. What force causes drift velocity to increase in wires of different diameters?

The force that causes drift velocity to increase in wires of different diameters is the electric field. When an electric field is applied to a wire, it exerts a force on the charged particles, causing them to move and resulting in an increase in drift velocity.

4. Is there a limit to how much the drift velocity can increase in wires of different diameters?

Yes, there is a limit to how much the drift velocity can increase in wires of different diameters. This limit is determined by the strength of the electric field applied and the material properties of the wire, such as its resistivity and conductivity.

5. What other factors can affect the drift velocity in wires of different diameters?

Other factors that can affect the drift velocity in wires of different diameters include the temperature of the wire, the type of material it is made of, and the length of the wire. These factors can impact the resistance of the wire, which in turn affects the speed of the charged particles and their drift velocity.

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