Question

Dout how fast do electrons flow (or drift) in an AC-current carrying wire?

The speed of light
A million kilometers per hour
O A few centimeters per hour
O No net motion at all

Answer 1

Electrons in an AC-current carrying wire do not flow at a fixed speed. Instead, they experience a back-and-forth motion. While the current may travel at the speed of light, individual electrons only drift at a few centimeters per hour.

Step-by-step explanation:

Electrons in an AC-current carrying wire do not flow at a fixed speed. Instead, they experience a back-and-forth motion resulting from the alternating current. While the alternating current may travel at a speed close to the speed of light, individual electrons in the wire do not move at this speed. In fact, their drift velocity is quite slow, typically only a few centimeters per hour. However, it's essential to note that despite their slow drift, the electrons themselves transfer energy and information along the wire almost instantly.

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