Question

Which of the following characteristics of electrons determines the current in a conductor?

• A. Both drift velocity and thermal velocity.
  
• B. Thermal velocity alone
• C. Neither drift nor thermal velocity.
  
• D. Drift velocity alone.
  

Answer 1

The correct option is D Drift velocity alone.


As we know drift velocity is the average uniform velocity acquired by the free electrons inside a metal by the application of electric field which is responsible for the current through it.

Relation between drift velocity$\left(v_d\right)$ and current$\left(I\right)$ is given by,

$I=neA{v}_d$

Thus, only drift velocity determines the current in a conductor.

Final answer: (a)