Question

When electric field is applied to the electrons in a conductor it starts

• A. When electric field is applied to the electrons in a conductor it starts
• B. Drifting from higher potential to lower potential
• C. Drifting from lower potential to higher potential
• D. Moving with constant velocity

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

When an electric field is applied to electrons in a conductor, they experience a force because of their charge. Electrons are negatively charged particles, so they are pulled towards the positive terminal, i.e., they move in the direction opposite to the electric field. Let's understand why the correct answer is "Drifting from lower potential to higher potential."

• Concept of Electric Field: The electric field is defined as the force experienced by a positive charge per unit charge. The direction of the electric field is taken as the direction in which a positive test charge would move.
• Potential Difference: In an electric field, the potential difference exists between two points, where one point is at a higher potential and the other is at a lower potential.
• Movement of Electrons: Electrons, being negatively charged, move opposite to the direction of the electric field. Hence, they drift from the region of lower potential energy (lower potential) to higher potential energy (higher potential).

This motion is due to the attractive force between the electrons and the positive terminal. Conversely, a positive charge would move from higher to lower potential.

Hence, the correct answer is: "Drifting from lower potential to higher potential."