Question

(d) A wire Y has the same cross-sectional area as wire X and is made of the same metal. Wire Y

is longer than wire X.
Wire X in the circuit is now replaced by wire Y. Assume that wire Y has the same temperature
as wire X.
State and explain whether the average drift speed of the free electrons in wire Y is greater
than, the same as, or less than that in wire X.
(3)
w]
X]
g
29°C

Answer 1

If the potential difference between the ends of the wire are the same then wire Y will experience a smaller drift speed. This is necessary to explain the difference in resistivity.