Electron drift speed in a copper wire.

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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
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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