Relating Current Density and Drift Speed

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the drift speed of conduction electrons in a copper wire with varying diameters. Given the diameter of section 1 as 4R and section 2 as 2R, the electric potential change (V) over a length (L) of 1.95 m is 13.5 µV. The number of charge carriers per unit volume (n) is 8.49 x 1028 m-3. The relevant equations include J = nev, E = ρJ, and E = V/L, which are essential for determining the drift speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of current density (J) and drift speed (v)
  • Familiarity with electric potential (V) and resistivity (ρ)
  • Knowledge of charge carrier concentration (n) in conductors
  • Basic proficiency in algebra and manipulation of equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the current density (J) using J = nev
  • Research the resistivity of copper to apply in calculations
  • Learn how to derive drift speed from electric field and charge carrier density
  • Explore the relationship between wire diameter and current distribution
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of current flow and electron drift in conductive materials.

Oijl
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Homework Statement


The figure shows wire section 1 of diameter 4R and wire section 2 of diameter 2R, connected by a tapered section. The wire is copper and carries a current. Assume that the current is uniformly distributed across any cross-sectional area through the wire's width. The electric potential change V along the length L = 1.95 m shown in section 2 is 13.5 µV. The number of charge carriers per unit volume is 8.49 1028 m-3. What is the drift speed of the conduction electrons in section 1?

hrw7_26-28.gif



Homework Equations


J = nev
v here represents the drift speed
E = pJ
E= V/L
i = nAev
J = i / A

The Attempt at a Solution



I included a lot of equations on the basis that they have some of the known quantities in them.

I can't really see how to move from knowing what the problem gives me to come up with the drift speed.

I'm given n, the number of charge carriers per unit volume, and the only equations I have that have n in them are J = nev and i = nAev.

So I would need to know J, right? So
J = E / p
and
p = (V/L) / (i/A)
and since i = nAev (and since E = V / L)
I can write
nev = (V/L) / ((V/L) / (nAev)/A)
but then the v cancels out.

So I've gotten no where.
 
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You can look up the resistivity of copper. You can compute E in section 2 from the potential difference and length of section 2 that are given.
 

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