Derive I = nAVe

Over 1 second, electrons with drift velocity V travel through a wire of  cross sectional area A. Distance Vt (t = 1) multiplied by area A gives a volume AV. This volume multiplied by the electron density of the material n, gives the number of electrons in volume V, nAV. The charge in the volume of material is found by multiplying the number of electrons by the elementary charge e, nAVe. This is the amount of charge passing through the wire every second, or current I. Therefore, I = nAVe

DD
Answered by Dojcin D. Physics tutor

70953 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the function of the control rods in the entire fission reactor proccess?


What is a vector quantity


What is the difference between internal energy, temperature, and heat?


What is the maximum length a bungee rope with a spring constant of 100 Nm−1 can be for an 80kg man to be able to jump from 100m above a river without touching the water?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning