Question

In the presence of an applied electric field $\left(\overrightarrow{E}\right)$ in a metallic conductor.

• A. electrons move in the direction of $\overrightarrow{E}$.
• B. electrons move in the direction opposite to $\overrightarrow{E}$.
• C. electrons move in any direction randomly but slowly drift in the direction of $\overrightarrow{E}$.
• D. electrons move randomly but slowly drift in a direction opposite to $\overrightarrow{E}$.

Answer 1

The correct option is D electrons move randomly but slowly drift in a direction opposite to $\overrightarrow{E}$.

Force acting on an electron in an electric field, $$\overrightarrow{F}=-e\overrightarrow{E}$$ where -ve sign represents that force acts opposite to the direction of applied electric field.

Due to thermal energy, free electrons inside a metallic conductor move in random direction but due to force of the applied field they slowly drift opposite to the direction of applied field.

Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

Why this question? Tip: The electrons inside the conductor move with a average velocity due to the applied field in a direction opposite to the field, this velocity is known as drift velocity.