- #1
asad1111
- 51
- 0
why electric current flows at speed of light when we know that current is due to the drift velocity of electron which is only few km/s(i think)?
Electric Current: Why Does It Flow at Light Speed?
- Thread starter asad1111
- Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY
Electric current flows at the speed of light due to the propagation of the electric field, not the drift velocity of electrons. While the drift velocity of electrons in copper wire is only a few kilometers per second, the electric field travels away from the electrons at light speed. This distinction clarifies the misconception that the speed of electric current is directly related to electron movement.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of electric fields and their properties
- Knowledge of electron drift velocity in conductors
- Familiarity with basic electrical concepts such as current and voltage
- Basic principles of electromagnetism
- Research the relationship between electric fields and current flow
- Study the concept of drift velocity in various materials
- Explore the principles of electromagnetism in depth
- Learn about the speed of electromagnetic waves in different mediums
Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of electric current and its behavior in conductive materials.
- #2
tiny-tim
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 25,837
- 258
hi asad1111! 
no, the electric field travels (away from the electrons) at the speed of light
asad1111 said:
no, the electric field travels (away from the electrons) at the speed of light
the electrons themselves get left behind! 
- #3
dlgoff
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 4,458
- 3,265
asad1111 said:
The drift velocity of electrons in copper wire is
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/ohmmic.html
Similar threads
- · Replies 2 ·
- · Replies 9 ·
- · Replies 4 ·
- · Replies 3 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 28 ·