Why Does qEt/m Represent Drift Speed in a Conductor?

AI Thread Summary
The equation v = qEt/m represents the drift speed of charged particles in a conductor, where v is the average velocity, q is the charge, E is the electric field, and m is the mass of the particle. The discussion raises a question about whether this equation gives the final velocity instead of the average velocity, suggesting that the average velocity might be qEt/(2m). Participants are confused about the assumptions made in introductory physics regarding the small values of charge and mass. Clarification is sought on whether the simplification to v = qEt/m is valid in this context. Understanding the derivation and assumptions behind these equations is crucial for grasping the concept of drift speed in conductors.
anonymousphys
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Homework Statement


v=qEt/m
t=time between each collision
q=charge on particle
m=mass of particle
E=electric field

Why is this the average velocity/drift speed in a conductor?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Doesn't qEt/m = the final velocity of the particle. So isn't the average velocity qEt/(2m)?
Is there something missing in my logic?

Thanks for any help.
 
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Still not too sure about this problem. Any help would be much appreciated.
 
In in introductory physics, do we just assume qEt/(2m) = qEt/(m) because the values are so small?
 
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