Question

A current passes through a resistor. Let K₁ and K₂ represent the average kinetic energy of the conduction electrons and the metal ions, respectively.

Options

• K₂ < K₂

• K₁ = K₂

• K₁ > K₂

• Any of these three may occur

Answer 1

K₁ > K₂

 

The metal ions are bound at their positions and vibrate due to collisions with electrons and due to thermal energy. The conduction electrons are free to move. They get energy from the electric field set inside the conductor by connection with a battery and due to thermal motion. The velocity of the electrons is high.
Thus, the kinetic energy of the electrons is greater than the kinetic energy of the metal ions.