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Electron Speed in Superconductor
Name: nick
Status: student
Grade: 9-12
Location: OH
Country: N/A
Date: 11/29/2005
Question:
What is the conductivity speed of electrons in a
superconductor?
Replies:
It is a bit of a misconception that electrons move at the speed of
electricity through a wire. Electricity moves move like a wave, with many
electrons moving as a direct result of the movement of other nearby
electrons. In a typical piece of copper wire, the Electrons themselves only
reach speeds of about 2 cm per second, depending on the amount of current
present.
In a super conductor, the electrons are "free", meaning they are not bound
to their individual atoms or molecules. In this case, with a similar amount
of current, the electrons would not move any faster than in a normal piece
of wire. However, because of the ease of moving electricity through a super
conductive wire, a much smaller piece of wire can be used. (Imagine if you
could move all the water in a fire hose through a drinking straw!) Now the
more limited number of electrons would have to move faster, though their
actual physical speed is still a function of just how much current passes
through the wire.
Ryan B.lscamper
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Update: June 2012
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