Final answer:
The thermal energy effect does not apply to the movement of electrons flowing in a conductor.
Step-by-step explanation:
When electrons flow in a conductor, the thermal energy effect does not apply to their movement. The electric field does work in moving the electrons through a distance, but that work does not increase the kinetic energy or speed of the electrons. Instead, the work is transferred to the conductor's atoms, potentially increasing temperature. This means a continuous power input is required to maintain current flow in a conductor.