Fx Copy
LaTeX Copy
Drift Speed is the average velocity of electrons in a conductor, which is responsible for the flow of electric current. Check FAQs
Vd=E𝛕[Charge-e]2[Mass-e]
Vd - Drift Speed?E - Electric Field?𝛕 - Relaxation Time?[Charge-e] - Charge of electron?[Mass-e] - Mass of electron?

Drift Speed Example

With values
With units
Only example

Here is how the Drift Speed equation looks like with Values.

Here is how the Drift Speed equation looks like with Units.

Here is how the Drift Speed equation looks like.

2.6E+17Edit=60Edit0.05Edit1.6E-1929.1E-31
You are here -
HomeIcon Home » Category Physics » Category Basic Physics » Category Electromagnetism » fx Drift Speed

Drift Speed Solution

Follow our step by step solution on how to calculate Drift Speed?

FIRST Step Consider the formula
Vd=E𝛕[Charge-e]2[Mass-e]
Next Step Substitute values of Variables
Vd=60V/mm0.05s[Charge-e]2[Mass-e]
Next Step Substitute values of Constants
Vd=60V/mm0.05s1.6E-19C29.1E-31kg
Next Step Convert Units
Vd=60000V/m0.05s1.6E-19C29.1E-31kg
Next Step Prepare to Evaluate
Vd=600000.051.6E-1929.1E-31
Next Step Evaluate
Vd=263823003408586m/s
Next Step Convert to Output's Unit
Vd=2.63823003408586E+17mm/s
LAST Step Rounding Answer
Vd=2.6E+17mm/s

Drift Speed Formula Elements

Variables
Constants
Drift Speed
Drift Speed is the average velocity of electrons in a conductor, which is responsible for the flow of electric current.
Symbol: Vd
Measurement: SpeedUnit: mm/s
Note: Value can be positive or negative.
Electric Field
Electric Field is the force per unit charge at a given point in space, created by the presence of electric charges or changing magnetic fields.
Symbol: E
Measurement: Electric Field StrengthUnit: V/mm
Note: Value can be positive or negative.
Relaxation Time
Relaxation time is the time taken by the current in a circuit to decay to a certain fraction of its initial value.
Symbol: 𝛕
Measurement: TimeUnit: s
Note: Value can be positive or negative.
Charge of electron
Charge of electron is a fundamental physical constant, representing the electric charge carried by an electron, which is the elementary particle with a negative electric charge.
Symbol: [Charge-e]
Value: 1.60217662E-19 C
Mass of electron
Mass of electron is a fundamental physical constant, representing the amount of matter contained within an electron, an elementary particle with a negative electric charge.
Symbol: [Mass-e]
Value: 9.10938356E-31 kg

Other Formulas to find Drift Speed

​Go Drift Speed given Cross-Sectional Area
Vd=Ie-[Charge-e]A

Other formulas in Basics of Current Electricity category

​Go Electric Current given Charge and Time
I=qTTotal
​Go Electromotive Force when Battery is Charging
Vcharging=ε+IR
​Go Electromotive Force when Battery is Discharging
Vdischarging=ε-IR
​Go Current Density given Conductivity
J=σE

How to Evaluate Drift Speed?

Drift Speed evaluator uses Drift Speed = (Electric Field*Relaxation Time*[Charge-e])/(2*[Mass-e]) to evaluate the Drift Speed, Drift Speed formula is defined as a measure of the average velocity of electrons in a conductor, which is influenced by the electric field and the properties of the conductor, providing insight into the behavior of electrons in electrical circuits. Drift Speed is denoted by Vd symbol.

How to evaluate Drift Speed using this online evaluator? To use this online evaluator for Drift Speed, enter Electric Field (E) & Relaxation Time (𝛕) and hit the calculate button.

FAQs on Drift Speed

What is the formula to find Drift Speed?
The formula of Drift Speed is expressed as Drift Speed = (Electric Field*Relaxation Time*[Charge-e])/(2*[Mass-e]). Here is an example- 2.6E+20 = (60000*0.05*[Charge-e])/(2*[Mass-e]).
How to calculate Drift Speed?
With Electric Field (E) & Relaxation Time (𝛕) we can find Drift Speed using the formula - Drift Speed = (Electric Field*Relaxation Time*[Charge-e])/(2*[Mass-e]). This formula also uses Charge of electron, Mass of electron constant(s).
What are the other ways to Calculate Drift Speed?
Here are the different ways to Calculate Drift Speed-
  • Drift Speed=Electric Current/(Number of Electrons*[Charge-e]*Cross-Sectional Area)OpenImg
Can the Drift Speed be negative?
Yes, the Drift Speed, measured in Speed can be negative.
Which unit is used to measure Drift Speed?
Drift Speed is usually measured using the Millimeter per Second[mm/s] for Speed. Meter per Second[mm/s], Meter per Minute[mm/s], Meter per Hour[mm/s] are the few other units in which Drift Speed can be measured.
Copied!