Question

Predict the effect of temperature of the conductor on the drift velocity of electrons.

(a) Drift velocity varies linearly with temperature

(b) Drift velocity does not depend on the temperature

(c) Drift velocity increases with increasing temperature

(d) Drift velocity decreases with increasing temperature

I have been asked this question during an interview.

This is a very interesting question from Current Electricity topic in chapter Current Electricity of Physics – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct answer is (d) Drift velocity decreases with increasing temperature

For explanation I would say: On increasing the temperature of a conductor, the value of resistivity of its material increases. Resistivity is indirectly proportional to drift velocity. Therefore, the drift velocity of electrons decreases with the increasing temperature of the conductor.