A small but measurable current of 3.8 * 10-10 A exists in a copper wire whose diameter is 2.5 mm. The number of charge carriers per unit volume is 8.49 * 1028 m-3. Assuming the current is uniform, calculate the (a) current density and (b) electron drift speed.

a) 4.9*10^-6

b) 5.71*10^-15

Explanation:

Given

current, I = 3.8*10^-10A

Diameter, D = 2.5mm

n = 8.49*10^28

The equation for current density and speed drift is

J = I/A = (ne) Vd

A = πD²/4

A = π*0.0025²/4

A = π*6.25*10^-6/4

A = 4.9*10^-6

Now,

J = I/A

J = 3.8*10^-10/4.9*10^-6

J = 7.76*10^-5

Electron drift speed is

J = (ne) Vd

Vd = J / (ne)

Vd = 7.76*10^-5 / (8.49*10^28) * (1.60*10^-19)

Vd = 7.76*10^-5/1.3584*10^10

Vd = 5.71*10^-15

Therefore, the current density and speed drift are 4.9*10^-6

And 5.71*10^-15 respectively