Find the drift velocity of conduction electrons in a gold wire of diameter 2.40 mm 2.40 mm when a current of 0.373 A 0.373 A flows in it. The density of conduction electrons in gold is 5.90 × 10 28 m − 3 5.90×1028 m−3.

Drift velocity of conduction electrons in Gold = 8.73 × 10⁻⁶ m/s = 8.73 μm/s

Explanation:

Drift velocity, v, is given by

v = I/(nAq)

where v = drift velocity

I = current in the wire

n = number of electrons per cubic metre for the wire

A = Cross sectional Area of the wire

q = charge on one electron

I = 0.373 A

A = πD²/4 = π(0.0024)²/4 = 4.52 × 10⁻⁶ m²

q = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C

n = 5.90 × 10²⁸ electrons/m³

v = 0.373/(5.90 × 10²⁸ × 4.52 × 10⁻⁶ × 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹) = 8.73 × 10⁻⁶ m/s