Question

When electrons drift in a conductor from lower to higher potential, does it mean that all the ’free electrons’ of the conductor are moving in the same direction?

Hint:

Electron drift in a conductor represents a net motion in one direction due to the applied electric field, but the individual electrons still exhibit random motion due to thermal energy.

Answer 1

In a conductor, when an electric field is applied, the free electrons move in the direction opposite to the field. The drift of electrons is due to their random thermal motion and the applied electric field. While the net flow of electrons is in the direction opposite to the electric field (from lower to higher potential), the individual electrons still undergo random motion, which means they do not all move in the same direction at all times. The drift velocity represents the average velocity of the electrons due to the applied field.