Question

In the absence of an electric field, the mean velocity of free electrons in a conductor at absolute temperature (T) is

Answer 1

Explanation:

1. In the absence of an electric field, free electrons of the conductor will move in a zig-zag path.
2. The net displacement of free electrons in a conductor in absence of electric field is zero.
3. We know that velocity is defined as displacement divided by time. That's why the net velocity of each electron is zero.
4. But in the presence of an electric field, electrons are drifted towards the positive terminal. So, in this case, there is a net displacement and hence electrons will move with a velocity.

So, the mean velocity of free electrons is zero in the absence of an electric field.