The drift velocity of electrons in a conducting wire is of the order of $1 \, mm/s$. However,when the switch is turned on,the bulb glows almost instantaneously. This is because:

  • A
    The random speed of electrons is very high,of the order of $10^6 \, m/s$.
  • B
    Electrons transfer their energy rapidly during collisions.
  • C
    The electric field is established in the wire very rapidly,and the current produced through every cross-section is almost instantaneous.
  • D
    All of the above.

Explore More

Similar Questions

In a metal, the charge carrier density is $9.1 \times 10^{28} \,m^{-3}$ and its electrical conductivity is $6.4 \times 10^7 \,S \,m^{-1}$. When an electric field of $10 \,N C^{-1}$ is applied to the metal, then the average time between two successive collisions of electrons in the metal is (Mass of electron $= 9.1 \times 10^{-31} \,kg$; charge of electron $= 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \,C$)

$A$ copper wire of diameter $1.02\, mm$ carries a current of $1.7\, A$. Find the drift velocity $(v_d)$ of electrons in the wire. Given $n$,the number density of electrons in copper $= 8.5 \times 10^{28} /m^3$. (Express the answer in $mm/s$)

The relaxation time $\tau$ is nearly independent of the applied $E$ field,whereas it changes significantly with temperature $T$. The first fact is (in part) responsible for Ohm's law,whereas the second fact leads to the variation of resistivity $\rho$ with temperature. Elaborate why?

Why is current not formed in solid conductors in the absence of an electric field?

$A$ conductor of length $100 \, cm$ and area of cross-section $1 \, mm^2$ carries a current of $5 \, A$. If the resistivity of the material of the conductor is $3.0 \times 10^{-8} \, \Omega \cdot m$, then the electric field across the conductor is (in $ \, V/m$)

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo