Practice question

**Drift velocity** v_d = I/(n e A), I current (A), n number density of conduction electrons (m⁻³) ≈8.5×10²⁸ m⁻³ for copper, e =1.6×10⁻¹⁹ C, A cross-sectional area (m²). Typical v_d ≈10⁻⁴ m/s for 1 A in mm² wire, slow despite fast signal propagation due to electric field establishment. Without an electric field, electrons move randomly due to thermal energy, with no preferred direction. The average velocity of electrons cancels out, resulting in zero net current. 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, evaluation