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 a metallic conductor, free electrons are always in random motion due to thermal energy. When an electric field is applied, the electrons experience a force in the direction opposite to the field (since electrons are negatively charged). 
The velocity of the electrons may make any angle with the acceleration vector between successive collisions. Due to this, the electron's motion is not in a straight line but rather along curved paths. This curved path results from the fact that the electron is continuously undergoing collisions with atoms in the conductor, which changes its direction and velocity. 
The net motion of the electrons is not uniform, but they drift slowly towards the positive end (higher potential) of the conductor due to the applied electric field. The term "drift velocity" refers to the average velocity of electrons moving towards the positive terminal under the influence of the electric field. 
Thus, the electrons follow curved paths as they move from lower potential to higher potential. This is because their velocity and acceleration vectors are not aligned along the same direction due to the random collisions between electrons and atoms in the conductor.
Step 1: Random motion of electrons: 
In the absence of an electric field, electrons in a conductor move randomly in all directions due to thermal motion. 
Step 2: Effect of the electric field: 
When an external electric field is applied, it exerts a force on the electrons, causing them to drift in the direction opposite to the field. However, since electrons are subject to frequent collisions, their velocity is always changing, and they follow curved paths. 
Step 3: Drift of electrons: 
The resultant motion of the electrons, due to the superposition of their random motion and drift motion caused by the electric field, results in an overall drift from lower potential to higher potential along curved paths. 
Conclusion: 
Therefore, the free electrons move in curved paths from lower potential to higher potential.