What Force Causes Drift Velocity Increase in Wires of Different Diameters?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between wire diameter and drift velocity in conductors. When current flows from a wire of greater diameter to one of lesser diameter, the drift velocity of electrons increases. This phenomenon is explained by the equation I = venA, indicating that drift velocity (v) is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area (A) of the conductor. The increase in drift velocity is attributed to the conservation of energy rather than an external force, drawing a parallel to Bernoulli's principle in fluid dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric current and drift velocity
  • Familiarity with the equation I = venA
  • Basic knowledge of electron charge and density
  • Concept of conservation of energy in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of wire diameter on electrical resistance
  • Explore the principles of Bernoulli's equation in fluid dynamics
  • Study the effects of temperature on drift velocity in conductors
  • Learn about the relationship between current density and electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of electrons in conductive materials.

Himal kharel
Messages
79
Reaction score
0
consider two wires of different diameter. when current enters from that of greater diameter to lesser diameter drift velocity increases. which force causes it to increase?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
it is really simple.
we have,current(I) through a conductor of the crossectional area of A is the product of the drift velocity(v) of the moving charges ,the area(A) and number of electrons(n)*the charge of a electron(e).hence
I=venA
or, v=I/(enA)
this relation shows that drift5 velocity is inversely proportional to the area of crosssection of the conductor.Hence if area decreases drift velocity increases.
HOPE THIS HELPS HIMAL
 
I don't think there's an external force involved, as it seems you have in mind, rather conservation of energy causes the drift velocity to increase, similar to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernoulli%27s_principle" in fluid dynamics.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Undergrad Exit velocity through a nozzle: Bernoulli vs. Experience
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Graduate Does Centrifugal Force Cause Curvature Drift in Plasmas?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
AC Drift Velocity: Understand Reactive Power & Movement of Electrons
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Undergrad Why do bullets precess in the opposite way from gyroscope diagrams?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
4K
Graduate Coriolis force caused by tangential velocity
  • · Replies 53 ·
2
Replies
53
Views
7K
Graduate Constant velocity in a central force field
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
High School Zero acceleration = zero net force?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
Graduate Bernoulli, lift and cause & effect
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
5K
Graduate What Is the Expression for Settling Velocity in a Rotating Field?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
High School Applying the Gauss (1835) formula for force between 2 parallel DC currents
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K