JEE Main · 2023 · 10 Apr 2023 · Shift 2 · Current Electricity

In a metallic conductor, under the effect of applied electric field, the free electrons of the conductor

(A)drift from higher potential to lower potential.
(B)move in the curved paths from lower potential to higher potential✓ Correct
(C)move with the uniform velocity throughout from lower potential to higher potential
(D)move in the straight line paths in the same direction

Answer: (B)

Solution

In a metallic conductor, free electrons (negative charge) experience a force opposite to the electric field direction. The electric field points from higher to lower potential, so electrons drift from lower to higher potential. Due to collisions with lattice ions, they follow curved (zigzag) paths, not straight lines, with an average drift velocity

v_{d}

given by

i = n e A v_{d}

JEE Main · 2023 · 10 Apr 2023 · Shift 2 · Single correct option

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JEE Main · 2023 · 10 Apr 2023 · Shift 2 · Current Electricity

Solution

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