A cylindrical copper conductor AB length `L` areaa of cross-section a has large number of free electrons which at mean temperature move at random within the body of the conductor like the molecules of a gas. The average thermal motion at room temperature is of the enter of `10^(5)ms^(-1)` where a potential difference `V` is applied free electronic in the condictior experience , the free electrons in the conductor experience force and are accelerated towards the positive emf of the condutor on their gained kinetic energy After each collision the free electronic are angle acceleration due of the electric field , towards the positive end the conductor and next collision with the ions/atoms of the electrons The average speed of the free electrons with which they drift toward the positive and of the conductor under the effect of applied electric field is called drift of the electrons
The motion of electrons in between two successive collisions with the atoms/ions follows

Options

A. a straight path
B. circular path
C. elliptical path
D. curved path

Explanation

To solve the question, we need to analyze the motion of electrons in a cylindrical copper conductor when a potential difference is applied. The question asks us to determine the nature of the path that electrons follow between two successive collisions with atoms or ions.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Motion of Electrons**:
- In a conductor, free electrons move randomly due to thermal energy. This random motion can be described by the average thermal velocity, which is given as \(10^5 \, \text{m/s}\).

2. **Effect of Electric Field**:
- When a potential difference \(V\) is applied across the conductor, an electric field \(E\) is established. This electric field exerts a force on the free electrons, causing them to accelerate towards the positive terminal of the conductor.

3. **Drift Velocity**:
- The average speed of the electrons that results from this acceleration is known as the drift velocity (\(V_d\)). The drift velocity can be expressed by the formula:
\[ V_d = \frac{eE\tau}{m} \]
where:
- \(e\) is the charge of the electron,
- \(E\) is the electric field strength,
- \(\tau\) is the relaxation time (the average time between collisions),
- \(m\) is the mass of the electron.

4. **Path of Electrons**:
- Between two successive collisions with the atoms or ions in the conductor, the electrons do not follow a straight path. Instead, they experience random thermal motion superimposed with the drift motion due to the electric field.
- The random thermal motion causes the electrons to move in various directions, while the drift motion gives them an overall tendency to move towards the positive end of the conductor.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The combined effect of the random thermal motion and the drift motion results in a path that is not straight. Instead, the motion of electrons between collisions can be described as a **curved path** due to the continuous changes in direction caused by collisions with atoms.

### Final Answer:
The motion of electrons between two successive collisions with the atoms or ions follows a **curved path**.