Actually, the first equation "I=constant" is sufficient for answering the question. Given a constant current, the average drift velocity of the electrons is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of the conductor.MBBphys said:
berkeman said:
LOL.TSny said:
berkeman said:If they start varying that in future problems, I'd be a little worried...
An increase in area causes a decrease in drift speed because it results in a larger cross-sectional area for the particles to pass through. This means that the same number of particles must spread out over a larger area, leading to a decrease in the overall speed of the particles.
Larger particles have a larger cross-sectional area compared to smaller particles, so an increase in overall area affects them more significantly. This is because they have a greater surface area that comes into contact with the surrounding medium, resulting in more resistance and a lower drift speed.
No, an increase in area will always result in a decrease in drift speed, but it will not cause a complete halt in the drift current. As long as there is a driving force, such as an electric field, the particles will continue to move, although at a slower speed.
The speed of particles in a drift current can also be affected by the strength of the driving force, the properties of the medium through which they are moving, and the size and charge of the particles themselves. These factors can all influence the resistance and drag experienced by the particles, and therefore their overall speed.
An increase in area causes a decrease in the density of particles in a drift current. This is because the same number of particles must spread out over a larger area, leading to a lower concentration of particles per unit area. However, the total number of particles in the drift current remains the same, as long as there is no addition or removal of particles.