What Are the Drift Speed and Current Density in Copper and Aluminum Wires?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the drift speed and current density in copper and aluminum wires, where the aluminum wire's diameter is five times that of the copper wire. The density of conduction electrons is given as 1.1 × 1029 m-3 for copper and 2.1 × 1029 m-3 for aluminum. It is established that the drift speeds and current densities cannot be determined with the provided information; only the ratios can be calculated. Participants emphasize the need for specific values or expressions to validate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric current and charge carriers
  • Familiarity with the equations I = nAqVd and J = nqVd
  • Knowledge of cross-sectional area and its impact on current density
  • Basic principles of drift speed in conductive materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between current density and drift speed in conductive materials
  • Explore the impact of wire diameter on current flow and drift speed
  • Learn about the properties of conduction electrons in different materials
  • Investigate how to calculate ratios of drift speeds and current densities
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Students studying electrical engineering, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the behavior of current in conductive materials.

lemaire
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Homework Statement



A piece of copper wire joins a piece of aluminum wire whose diameter is five times that of the copper. The same current flows in both wires. The density of conduction electrons in copper is 1.1 \times 1029 m-3 in aluminum it is 2.1\times1029 m-3.
what is the drift speed and current density in each?

Homework Equations



I = nAqVd
J = nqVd

The Attempt at a Solution


the cross sectional area is unknown and the current is unknown. i think the drift speed of one will be a function of the other. I have an expression but since i am using a web software, i would like to see if someone else gets the same expression as i do.
 
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1. You are correct - the values of the drift speeds and current densities can not be determined with the info provided. You can only determine the ratios.

2. You have to tell us what answers you get (and how you got them), and we will let you know if you've made a mistake (and where you made it). It doesn't work the other way round.
 

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