How Fast Does an Electrical Impulse Travel in a Copper Wire?

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The speed of an electrical impulse in a copper wire is just under the speed of light, but the discussion emphasizes that this speed is not solely due to the movement of electrons. Instead, it highlights the role of the electromagnetic field, which propagates changes at the speed of light, while the actual drift velocity of electrons is much slower. The conversation critiques the common teaching methods in science that may overlook foundational philosophical questions, suggesting a need for a deeper understanding of the underlying physics. It clarifies that the signal's propagation is influenced by the electromagnetic fields surrounding the wire, rather than just the direct movement of electrons. Ultimately, the relationship between electric fields, magnetic fields, and the speed of signal transmission is complex and requires a nuanced understanding of electromagnetic theory.
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Byron Forbes said:
There are values for the electron density in a conductor that make it the same as the density of a medium that might carry air?
Yes, that should be obvious. Electrons have very little mass relative to the nucleus and conduction electrons have about the same number density as the nuclei.

Byron Forbes said:
I doubt this very much but I'd be happy for you to point these out to me so that I can see who worked this out and how.

Do you have a scientific paper? :)
Sure, this is part of a standard classroom exercise, lecture notes, and standard published data:

##K=1.4 \ 10^{11}\text{ N/m}^2## from exercise 4 at http://www-sp.phy.cam.ac.uk/~je102/CMP/CMP_Examples_2_2008-9.pdf

##8.94 \ 10^{28}\text{ e/m}^3## from slide 15 http://web.mst.edu/~vojtat/class_2135/lectures/lecture10/lecture10.pdf

## \ 9.1 \ 10^{-31} \text{ kg/e}## https://physics.nist.gov/cgi-bin/cuu/Value?me

Anyway, since even after 100 posts you still have yet to provide any scientific support for your position we will consider the matter closed. If you would like to reopen it please do so with said support. You have been adequately instructed here and there is really nothing more to discuss.
 
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