Question

A conductor material has a free-electron density of 10²⁴ electrons per metre³. When a voltage is applied, a constant drift velocity of 1.5 X 10^-2 metre/second is attained by the electrons. If the cross-sectional area of the material is 1cm², calculate the magnitude of the current. Electronic charge is 1.6 x 10^-19 coulomb.

Answer 1

The magnitude of the current is

i = nAev amperes

Here, n = 10²⁴; A = 1cm² = 10^-4m²

e = 1.6 x 10^-19c; v = 1.5 x 10^-2m/s

∴ i = 10²⁴ x 10^-4 x 1.6 x 10^-19 x 1.5 x 10^-2 = 0.24A