# Conductor question

1. Apr 29, 2008

### 838

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A 2.0-m length of silver wire has a uniform cross-sectional area of $$0.6mm^2$$. If the drift velocity in this wire is 5.0 x $$10^{-5}$$ m/s and the electrons all move in the same direction along the wire. What is the total current carried by the wire?

2. Relevant equations
So, silvers atomic mass is 107.9 g/mol and the density is 10500 $$kg/m^2$$.
Also, conductivity of silver is 6.3 x $$10^7$$ (too lazy to add units)

So, I = JA, I have A, so I'll find J.
J=nq$$V_d$$
where n = number density of atoms
q is charge constant (1.6 x $$10^{-19}$$)
and $$V_d$$ is the drift velocity.

3. The attempt at a solution

So, I think I have an answer, my instructor said it was wrong, but wouldn't tell me until after the homework is due (no free points, I guess it's fair).

n=10500/$$m^3$$*(1mol/0.1079kg)*(6.02 x $$10^{23}$$/1mol) = 5.85 x $$10^{28}$$

J=nq$$V_d$$

(5.85 x $$10^{28}$$)*(1.6 x $$10^{-19}$$)*(5.0 x $$10^{-5}$$)
= 468656.16

Area = $$0.6mm^2$$ = 0.6 x$$10^{-6}$$m

Now, to find I. I=(468656.16 N/C)*(0.6 x$$10^{-6}$$m) = 0.28Amps.

Does this look correct? Sorry if my work is a little sloppy.