Electron Drift in Copper Wire: 40m in 0.020mm/s = Days?

In summary, electron drift in copper wire is the movement of electrons through the wire due to an electric field. It is typically measured in terms of distance traveled over time and is important because it is the basis for the flow of electric current. The main factors affecting electron drift are the electric field strength, wire cross-sectional area, and material conductivity. This concept is directly related to resistance, which is a measure of how easily electrons can flow through a material.
  • #1
MegaEriable
1
0
The drift speed of the electrons in a copper wire running from a battery to a light bulb and back is approximately 0.020 mm/s. The battery is at the front of the classroom and wire runs out of a perimeter of the room to the light bulb. The total length of wire is 40meters. How long would it take a single electron to drift from the negative terminal of the battery and back to the positive terminal? Express your answers in days as well.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Do you know the equation that relates distance travelled, time and speed?
 

FAQ: Electron Drift in Copper Wire: 40m in 0.020mm/s = Days?

What is electron drift in copper wire?

Electron drift in copper wire refers to the movement of electrons through a copper wire due to the influence of an electric field.

How is electron drift measured in copper wire?

Electron drift is typically measured in terms of distance traveled over time. For example, in the question "40m in 0.020mm/s = Days," we are given the distance of 40 meters and the drift velocity of 0.020 millimeters per second. This allows us to calculate the time it would take for electrons to travel 40 meters through the copper wire at a drift velocity of 0.020 millimeters per second.

Why is electron drift important in copper wire?

Electron drift is important in copper wire because it is the basis for the flow of electric current. As electrons move through the copper wire, they transfer energy and carry electricity from one point to another.

What factors affect electron drift in copper wire?

The main factors that affect electron drift in copper wire are the electric field strength, the cross-sectional area of the wire, and the material of the wire. A stronger electric field will cause electrons to drift faster, while a larger cross-sectional area and a material with high conductivity (such as copper) will allow for more electrons to flow through the wire.

How does electron drift in copper wire relate to the concept of resistance?

Electron drift in copper wire is directly related to the concept of resistance. Resistance is a measure of how difficult it is for electrons to flow through a material. In copper wire, the high conductivity allows for a lower resistance, which means that electrons can drift more easily through the wire.

Similar threads

Exploring the Drift Speed of Electrons in Conductors
Replies
6
Views
2K
Confused about direction of electric field
Replies
7
Views
2K
How Fast Do Electrons Travel in a Copper Wire?
Replies
4
Views
5K
How Long Does It Take an Electron to Travel Through a Copper Wire?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Nichrome and Copper Circuit w/ Electron Mobility
Replies
31
Views
7K
E-Field Through Copper Wire given drift velocity
Replies
2
Views
7K
What Factors Affect the Resistance and Drift Velocity of a Copper Wire?
Replies
6
Views
3K
Electron drift speed, Current, and Electric field in hollow wire?
Replies
1
Views
10K
Find drift velocity of the current carriers in the copper strip
Replies
19
Views
4K
Magnitude of the electric field in a copper wire.
Replies
4
Views
15K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top