Current Electricity: Drift Velocity Magnitude MCQ

Solve this quality-checked JEE multiple-choice question, then review the correct answer and explanation.

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Drift Velocity MagnitudeMediumQuestion 31610

Question

Drift velocity of electrons in a typical copper wire carrying 1 A is approximately:

A
Speed of light
B
1 m/s
C
0.1 mm/s
Correct
D
1000 m/s

Correct answer

0.1 mm/s

Explanation

Despite fast signal propagation (~c), individual electrons drift slowly — typically ~ 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻³ m/s. The electric field propagates at near light speed.

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