Question

In a metallic conductor, under the effect of applied electric field, the free electrons of the conductor 

• A. drift from higher potential to lower potential.
• B. move in the straight line paths in the same direction
• C. move with the uniform velocity throughout from lower potential to higher potential
• D. move in the curved paths from lower potential to higher potential

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In this problem, we are examining the behavior of free electrons in a metallic conductor when an electric field is applied. Understanding the movement of free electrons is crucial for analyzing electrical conductivity and resistance in materials.

Let's break down the options and analyze each:

1. Drift from higher potential to lower potential: In metals, electrons move due to an electric field, and the convention is that current flows from higher potential to lower potential, which means electrons (negatively charged) move from lower potential to higher potential. This option is incorrect regarding electron motion.
2. Move in the straight line paths in the same direction: Although electrons move under the influence of an electric field, they do not travel straight. The thermal motion and interactions with other electrons and lattice atoms cause a zig-zag path. Thus, this option is incorrect.
3. Move with the uniform velocity throughout from lower potential to higher potential: Due to collisions with lattice atoms, electrons do not maintain a uniform velocity; instead, they average out to a drift velocity which is usually small. This makes this option incorrect.
4. Move in the curved paths from lower potential to higher potential: Free electrons in a conductor are affected by the electric field and constant collisions with atoms. This makes their path more curved or zig-zag rather than straight. So, they indeed travel in curved paths from lower potential to higher potential. Hence, this is the correct answer.

Therefore, the correct option is that the free electrons in a metallic conductor under an electric field move in curved paths from lower potential to higher potential. This describes their actual behavior due to thermal motions and scattering effects.