Question

The drift speed of free electrons in a conductor depends upon

• A. the material of the conductor
• B. the temperature of the conductor
• C. the potential difference applied across the ends of the conductor
• D. the area of cross-section of the conductor

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C), (D)

The correct options are
B the temperature of the conductor
C the potential difference applied across the ends of the conductor
D the area of cross-section of the conductor

The drift speed of free electrons in a conductor is given by

$V_d=\frac{I}{nAe}$

where, n$⟶$ no. of free electrons

I$⟶$ current flowing

A$⟶$ Area of cross section

e$⟶$ charge on electron

Now, if we increase the temperature, the resistance will increase resulting in decrease of current and hence drift velocity will increase. As current depends on potential, i.e., if we change it, it will definitely change the drift velocity.