Electron drift speed in a copper wire.

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the electron drift speed in a copper wire with a current of 4.20E-10 A and a diameter of 0.02 cm, the cross-sectional area (A) must be determined first, which is calculated using the formula A = π(d/2)². The relevant parameters include the charge of an electron (q = 1.6E-19 C) and the density of copper (n = 8960 kg/m³). The drift speed (v) can then be computed using the formula v = I/(n x q x A). The discussion highlights the importance of correctly interpreting the density and dimensions for accurate calculations. The final answer was found after clarifying these values.
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I'm really stuck on this one problem:

"A small but measurable current of 4.20E-10 A exists in a copper wire whose diameter is 0.02 cm. Calculate the electron drift speed (in meters/second)."
Source: Serway and Jewett

I know that:
I = 4.20E-10 A
n = 8960 kg/m^3
q = 1.6E-19 C
d = 2E-4 m

J = (I/A) = n x q x v
Thus, v = I/(n x q x A)

What does A stand for and how would I go about finding it? Also, am I converting things correctly and using the proper value for the density?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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A is the cross-sectional area of the wire.
 
Thank you for the hint. I found the answer now. Apparently I was getting the n density the wrong way as well.

Proper way to find n: :smile:
edens.gif


For the copper wire in the problem:
edensc.gif
 
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