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The drift velocity of electrons inside a...

The drift velocity of electrons inside a conductor carrying current is of the order of `10^(-4)m//s` , which means that the electrons flow very slowly through the conductor. Then why does it not require hours for a light bulb to turn on after pressing the switch ?

Text Solution

AI Generated Solution

To understand why a light bulb turns on almost instantly when the switch is pressed, despite the low drift velocity of electrons in a conductor, we can break down the explanation into several steps: ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding Drift Velocity**: - The drift velocity of electrons in a conductor is about \(10^{-4} \, \text{m/s}\), which is very slow. This means that individual electrons move very slowly through the wire. **Hint**: Remember that drift velocity refers to the average velocity of charge carriers (electrons) in a conductor when an electric field is applied. ...
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What is the drift velocity of electrons in a copper conductor having a cross-sectional area of 5xx10^(-6) m^(2) if the current is 10 A. Assume there are 8.0xx10^(28) "electrons"//m^(3) .

Drift speed of electrons is of the order of 10^(-3) m//s , but current is established in the circuit with the speed of light . Explain.

Knowledge Check

  • The drift velocity of electrons in a conducting wire is of the order of 1 mm/s, yet the bulb glows very quickly after the switch is put on beause

    A
    The random speed of electons is very high, of the order of `10^(6)m//s`.
    B
    The electrons transfer their energy very quickly through collisions
    C
    Electric field is set up in the wire very quickly, producing a current through each cross section, almost instantaneously.
    D
    All of above
  • Drift velocity of free electrons when current passes through the conductor is of the order of

    A
    `10 mm//s`
    B
    `10 m//s`
    C
    `10 km//s`
    D
    `10^(6) m//s`
  • When current flows through a conductor, then the order of drift velocity of electrons will be

    A
    `10^(10)m//sec`
    B
    `10^(-2)cm//sec`
    C
    `10^(4)cm//sec`
    D
    `10^(-1)cm//sec`
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    Drift speed of electrons is of the order of 10^(-3) m/s , but current is established in the circuit with the speed of light . Explain .

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