Practice question
Question
What happens to the drift velocity of electrons in a conductor if the conductor’s temperature increases
while the applied electric field remains constant?
Explanation
**Potentiometer** measures potential difference without drawing current, using null deflection, principle V ∝ l, l balance length, accurate because no I r drop. Potential drop across resistor V = I R arises because electric field does work on charges, energy converted to heat, maintaining E = -dV/dx along wire. Drift velocity v_d = e E tau / m . As temperature increases, tau (relaxation time) decreases due to more collisions, reducing v_d if E is constant. Applying I = n e A v_d, R = ρ l/A, R_t = R₀[1+αΔT], Kirchhoff's ΣI=0, ΣV=0, R_eq series/parallel, V = ε - I r and P = I²R,
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