DRIFT VELOCITY Meaning and
Definition
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Drift velocity is a concept used in physics to describe the net velocity of charged particles in a given medium under the influence of an electric field. Specifically, it refers to the average velocity at which charged particles, such as electrons or ions, move in a specific direction due to their interaction with an electric field.
In a conducting medium, the charged particles experience random motion due to thermal energy. However, when an electric field is applied, they begin to move in a preferred direction. This movement is a result of the particles colliding with each other and with lattice ions, leading to a gradual drift towards the positive terminal of the electric field.
Drift velocity is measured as the constant average velocity of these charged particles during their motion. It is important to note that it is the average velocity because individual particles may undergo collisions and changes in direction. The magnitude of drift velocity depends on various factors, such as the strength of the electric field and the concentration of charged particles.
Drift velocity can be mathematically expressed as the ratio of the electric current density to the charge density of the particles. It is commonly denoted by the symbol "vd" and is measured in meters per second (m/s) or centimeters per second (cm/s).
Drift velocity plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of charged particles in conducting materials, such as in the context of electric circuits, semiconductors, and plasma physics.
Common Misspellings for DRIFT VELOCITY
- srift velocity
- xrift velocity
- crift velocity
- frift velocity
- rrift velocity
- erift velocity
- deift velocity
- ddift velocity
- dfift velocity
- dtift velocity
- d5ift velocity
- d4ift velocity
- druft velocity
- drjft velocity
- drkft velocity
- droft velocity
- dr9ft velocity
- dr8ft velocity
- dridt velocity
- drict velocity
Etymology of DRIFT VELOCITY
The word "drift velocity" is formed by combining the term "drift" with "velocity".
- "Drift" originates from the Old English word "drifan", which means "to drive". The term evolved to mean the movement of something in a current or carried by the wind, as well as the lateral movement of a vehicle. In the context of physics, it refers to the motion of charged particles in a conductor due to an electric field.
- "Velocity" comes from the Latin word "velocitas", which means "swiftness, speed". It is derived from the Latin adjective "velox", meaning "fast". In physics, velocity represents the rate and direction of an object's motion.
When applied to the movement of charged particles in a conductor, "drift velocity" refers to the average velocity at which these particles move due to the force exerted on them by an electric field.
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