Created By : Vaibhavi Kumari

Reviewed By : Rajashekhar Valipishetty

Last Updated : May 07, 2023


The Free Drift Velocity Calculator is used to quickly calculate the drift velocity of electrons. To examine the average drift velocity at the output section, simply enter current flowing through the material, cross-sectional area, and number density of charged particles in the input fields and press the calculate button.

Choose a Calculation
Current:
Area:
Number Density:
1028Carriers/
Drift Velocity:

What is Drift Velocity?

Electrons move in random directions all the time. When electrons are exposed to an electric field, they travel randomly at first but eventually drift in one direction, the direction of the applied electric field. Drift velocity is the net velocity at which these electrons drift.

The average velocity obtained by charged particles (e.g. electrons) in a material due to an electric field is known as drift velocity. Drift velocity is measured in millimetres per second (m/s). It's also measured in m^2/(V.s).

Drift Velocity Equation

The movement of electric charge in a wire is known as an electric current. The velocity of free electrons moving from the positive end of the conductor due to the applied electric field is known as drift velocity. Drift velocity is measured in millimetres per second (m/s).

The drift velocity equation is as follows v = I/(nAQ)

The formula for calculating current is I = nvAQ

The formula to the calculating area is A = I/(nvQ)

  • Where, v = drift velocity of the electrons
  • I = current flowing through the conductor
  • n = number of free electrons
  • A = cross-section area of the conductor
  • Q = charge of an electron

In the calculator, the number density represents the number of electrons per unit volume of the conductor.

How to calculate drift velocity?

The simplest step-by-step procedure for determining the drift velocity of charged particles is described below. Check the result by following these procedures.

  • Step 1: Calculate the current, electron density, and area.
  • Step 2: Multiply the area by the density of the numbers.
  • Step 3: To calculate the drift velocity, multiply the current flow by the product.

For more concepts check out physicscalculatorpro.com to get quick answers by using this free tool.

How to use the drift velocity calculator?

This drift velocity formula is faster and more efficient than using the drift velocity equation, drift velocity formula, or drift speed equation to calculate the drift velocity. This is a simple online tool that only requires a few parameters. The following are the steps to use this calculator

  • Step 1: First, select the unit of measurement from the drop-down option and enter the current value.
  • Step 2: Then, from the drop-down box, enter the Area value and select the unit of measurement.
  • Step 3: Finally, select the unit of measurement from the drop-down box and input the Number Density value.
  • Step 4: After you've entered all of the relevant information, the online tool will calculate the Drift Velocity for you.

Examples on Drift Velocity

Question 1:Calculate the drift velocity for the given details. Flow of current (I) = 25 Number of electrons (n) = 33 Cross section of area of wire (A) = 20 Charge of electron (Q) = 10

Solution:

Given: (I) = 25, (n) = 33, (A) = 20, (Q) = 10

Apply Formula:

V = I /(n x Q x A)

V = 25/(33 x 10 x 20)

V = 25/ 6600

V = 3.78 x 10^-3 m/s

Drift velocity (V) = 3.78 x 10^-3 m/s

Question 2: A copper wire with a cross-sectional area of 2.0 mm^2 may carry a current of 1 A. Find the electron drift velocity if the number density of electrons in the wire is 13 x 10^28 carriers/m^3.

Solution:

Given:

Current flowing through wire I = 1 A

Cross-sectional area A = 2 mm^2 = 2 x 10^-6 m^2

Number density = 13 x 10^28 carriers/m^3

v = I/(nAQ)

= 1/(2 x 10^-6 x 13 x 10^28)

= 3.846 x 10^-24 m/s.

Therefore, the drift velocity of charged particles is 3.846 x 10^-24 m/s.

FAQs on Drift Velocity Calculator

1. What is the drift velocity order?

The electron drift velocity in a conductor is on the order of 10^-4 m/s. When compared to the thermal speed, which is on the order of 105 m/s, it is insignificant.


2. What is the drift velocity speed?

In a metal wire, the individual electron velocity is frequently millions of kilometres per hour. The signal velocity is often a hundred million to a trillion kilometres per hour, but the drift velocity is typically only a few metres per hour.


3. Is there a relationship between drift velocity and length?

When dealing with a macroscopic (everyday life) wire, the drift velocity is independent of the wire's length or cross-sectional area.


4. Does the diameter of the wire affect drift velocity?

Drift velocity is unaffected by the conductor's diameter or cross-sectional area.


5. What can be done to increase drift velocity?

To begin, we can state that increasing the conductor's temperature increases the electrons' kinetic energy. As a result, their drift velocity should increase as the temperature increases.