[Drift velocity] Factors affecting velocity

In summary, drift velocity is the average velocity of free electrons in a conductor under the influence of an electric field. It is directly proportional to the strength of the electric field and can be affected by factors such as the type of material and temperature. The type of material affects drift velocity because it determines the number of free electrons available for movement, while temperature affects drift velocity by impeding electron movement as it increases.
  • #1
Deathnote777
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1. Is the charge density (No. of charges/volume) constant for a specific material ? e.g. Copper has a constant charge density no matter how big it is ?

2. Why someone told me that increasing the cross-sectional area of a wire will not affect its drift velocity ? The resistance will be reduced and the electrons can move faster, isn't it ?
 
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  • #2
You need to learn the difference between "resistance" and "resistivity". This is the same as the issue between "mass" and "density". One requires the knowledge of a volume of the object, the other doesn't.

Zz.
 

1. What is drift velocity?

Drift velocity is the average velocity at which free electrons move in a conductor under the influence of an electric field.

2. How is drift velocity affected by the strength of the electric field?

The drift velocity is directly proportional to the strength of the electric field. This means that as the electric field becomes stronger, the drift velocity of the electrons also increases.

3. What are some factors that can affect the drift velocity?

The main factors that can affect drift velocity include the strength of the electric field, the type of material the conductor is made of, and the temperature of the conductor.

4. How does the type of material affect the drift velocity?

The type of material the conductor is made of can affect the drift velocity because different materials have different numbers of free electrons available for movement. Materials with more free electrons will have a higher drift velocity than those with fewer free electrons.

5. Why does temperature affect drift velocity?

Temperature affects drift velocity because as the temperature increases, the atoms in the conductor vibrate more, making it more difficult for electrons to move through the material. This results in a decrease in drift velocity as temperature increases.

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