Question about flow of electrons along wire.

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    Electrons Flow Wire
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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the flow of electrons in a wire, emphasizing that electrons are always present in the conductor, specifically copper, with approximately 1.38 x 10^22 conduction electrons per gram. When a voltage is applied, electrons do not travel instantaneously; instead, they move at a speed of only a few centimeters per second. The analogy of a garden hose illustrates that the wire is already filled with electrons, and the application of voltage causes the existing electrons to flow towards the receiver almost immediately, rather than introducing new electrons from the source.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, including voltage and current.
  • Familiarity with the properties of conductors, specifically copper.
  • Knowledge of electron behavior in conductive materials.
  • Basic comprehension of analogies in physics, such as fluid dynamics in relation to electrical flow.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of conduction electrons in various materials, focusing on copper.
  • Learn about the differences between electron flow and conventional current flow in electrical circuits.
  • Explore the concept of drift velocity in conductors and its implications for electrical engineering.
  • Investigate the effects of temperature and impurities on the conductivity of copper wires.
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Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of electricity and electron flow in conductive materials.

pghazanfari
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I know that electrons flow across the wire from the source to the receiver, but would it be possible to keep these electrons on the wire after disconnecting the source and receiver?
 
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pghazanfari said:
I know that electrons flow across the wire from the source to the receiver, but would it be possible to keep these electrons on the wire after disconnecting the source and receiver?

There are always about 1.38*10^22 conduction electrons (1 for each copper atom) in every gram of copper whatever you do with it.
 
I know that electrons flow across the wire from the source to the receiver

When you connect a garden hose to a tap an turn it on water starts flowing down the pipe rapidly from source to receiver. This is NOT how it works for electricity.

For electricity it's better to think of the hose as already full of water (wire already full of electrons). Then when the tap is opened water comes out at the receiver almost immediately.

Although electrons start coming out soon after a voltage is applied they actually travel very slowly down the wire. If I remember correctly typical speeds are only a few cm per second. What makes electricity so powerful is the sheer number of them not their velocity.
 

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