What causes the motion of electrons to be retarded in a conductor?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the factors that can slow down the motion of electrons in a conductor, specifically looking for reasons related to voltage, temperature, atomic structure, or the availability of free electrons.
Answer
Electron motion is retarded by collisions with lattice ions and other electrons in a conductor.
The motion of electrons in a conductor is retarded due to frequent collisions with lattice ions and other electrons, leading to their deflection and resistance to flow.
Answer for screen readers
The motion of electrons in a conductor is retarded due to frequent collisions with lattice ions and other electrons, leading to their deflection and resistance to flow.
More Information
Electrons in a conductor have a random motion, colliding with fixed atoms and each other, which causes resistance. This is unlike superconductors, where these collisions are minimized.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the motion of electrons with the flow of electric current. They are related, but current flows smoothly even as individual electrons bump into obstacles.
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