Physics · Electric current: drift velocity, mobility and their relation with electric current

Given a current carrying wire of non- uniform cross-section. Which one of the fo

Given a current carrying wire of non- uniform cross-section. Which one of the following is constant through out the length of wire?

  • A. Current only
  • B. Current and drift speedd
  • C. Drift speed only
  • D. Current, electric field and drift speed

Step-by-step solution

In a steady current, the current (I) is constant throughout the wire due to conservation of charge, even if the cross-sectional area varies. Drift speed depends on area (v_d = I/(n e A)), so it changes with cross-section. Electric field also depends on area (E = I/(σ A)), so it is not constant. Thus only current remains constant.
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