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CUET · PHYSICS · PYQ PAPER 2023

The drift speed of electrons in a conductor is estimated to be only a few \( \text{mm s}^{-1} \). But on closing a circuit, how current is established almost instantly in an electric circuit?

  1. A Electrons are accelerated towards the positive end of the conductor while their velocity increases towards the other end
  2. B Drift velocity of electrons increases
  3. C Electric field is established throughout the circuit with the speed of an electromagnetic wave, causing at every point local electron drift causing current.
  4. D The electrons drift towards the negative end
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(C) Electric field is established throughout the circuit with the speed of an electromagnetic wave, causing at every point local electron drift causing current.

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

While individual electrons move very slowly (drift speed), the electric field spreads through the entire circuit at nearly the speed of light when the switch is closed. This field exerts a force on all free electrons simultaneously, causing them to start drifting at every point…