Solve Current Formula: I=nqAv | HELP

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SUMMARY

The formula for electric current is defined as I = nqAv, where I represents current, n is the number of free electrons per unit volume, q is the charge of an electron, A is the cross-sectional area, and v is the drift velocity of electrons. The charge of an electron (q) is a constant, while the drift velocity (v) varies depending on the material through which the electrons flow. To calculate n, one can determine the density of lattice ions and multiply it by the number of conduction electrons provided by each atom. This involves using the density of the material and its molar mass to find the number of atoms per unit volume.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, specifically electric current.
  • Familiarity with atomic structure and electron behavior.
  • Knowledge of material properties, including density and molar mass.
  • Basic chemistry concepts related to lattice structure and conduction electrons.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to calculate the density of lattice ions in different materials.
  • Learn about the relationship between drift velocity and thermal energy in conductors.
  • Study the properties of conduction electrons in various materials.
  • Explore the impact of cross-sectional area on current flow in electrical circuits.
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This discussion is beneficial for students studying physics or chemistry, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of electric current and electron behavior in materials.

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Current = I = nqAv, HELP

I found this formula for current, I, know A is area, but I don't know what nq and v are... Can anyone help me?
 
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v=speed of electron
n= number of FREE electron per unit volume
q= charge of electron
A= cross section area
 
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oohhhhh ok, q is a constant, makes sense... Thanks a lot. V varies with the material its flowing through? And how do u calculate n??
 
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Yapper said:
oohhhhh ok, q is a constant, makes sense... Thanks a lot. V varies with the material its flowing through? And how do u calculate n??

You can try to find out the density of lattice ions, and multiply this by the number of conduction electrons they supply. In case of a solid you could look up the lattice spacing and how many atoms are in it. Or you could use the mass density and their molar masses.
 
what grade r u in? this should be easy if you have taken some very basic chemistry course...look up the density of the meterial, also the mass of atom...you can easily find out the number of atom per unit volume from the information above... then multiply by the number of free electron per atom...
 
ok, thanks for the help. I had forgotten what was meant by free. But i got it now, thanks
 
v is the drift velocity of the electron.i.e the velocity acquired by the electron due to thermal energy.
 

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