Two copper wires with different diameters are joined end to

end. If a current flows in the wire combination, what happens to

electrons when they move from the larger-diameter wire into the

smaller-diameter wire? Does their drift speed increase, decrease,

or stay the same? If the drift speed changes, what is the force that

causes the change? Explain your reasoning.

Question

Roderick

Physics

11 June, 12:53

Two copper wires with different diameters are joined end to

end. If a current flows in the wire combination, what happens to

electrons when they move from the larger-diameter wire into the

smaller-diameter wire? Does their drift speed increase, decrease,

or stay the same? If the drift speed changes, what is the force that

causes the change? Explain your reasoning.

+2

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Kaylie · Answer 1

The current remains same in an end to end (or series) connection! so, with decrease in cross - sectional area, drift velocity must increase! They experience an "impedance bump" which will affect the total current flow in the circuit. So, current remains constant while th drift velocity increases in areas of less cross-section area ...

Kosmo · Answer 2

Decrease because the gauge of the wires are small