Question

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

Options

• Drift velocity only.

• Thermal velocity only.

• Both drift velocity and thermal velocity.

• Neither drift nor thermal velocity.

Answer 1

Drift velocity only.

Explanation:

Current in a conductor is the flow of electric charge. Understanding the difference between drift velocity and thermal velocity is essential. Since thermal velocity is directionally random, its average across all electrons is zero. As a result, it has no effect on net current.  Current is entirely caused by the net directed motion of electrons under an applied electric field, which is represented by drift velocity.