Question

What is the order of magnitude of drift velocity of electrons in a conductor?

Answer 1

When an electric field is applied across a conductor, free electrons acquire a small net velocity called drift velocity. This causes an electric current. Drift velocity is very small because electrons undergo frequent collisions with lattice ions. Typical value:

v_d ∼ 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻³ m/s

So, order of magnitude:

v_d ≈ 10⁻⁴ m/s