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A copper wire and an aluminium wire have the same length and cross-sectional area. They are connected one by one to the same battery at the same temperature. Which of the following statements is correct?
A
Drift velocity of electrons is same in both wires.
B
Drift velocity is greater in copper due to lower resistivity.
C
Drift velocity is greater in aluminium due to higher resistivity.
D
Drift velocity depends only on the applied voltage, not on the material
Explanation
Drift velocity v_d = I / (neA) = V / (neAR). Since R = ρL/A, v_d = V / (neρL). Copper has a much higher free electron density (n) than aluminium, which outweighs the difference in resistivity (ρ). In many textbook contexts for this specific comparison under same V, L, and A, the lower electron density of Al leads to a higher drift velocity.
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