Drift Velocity

• Drift velocity is the average displacement of free electrons along a conductor per unit time
• Drift velocity has a low magnitude due to constant collisions with metal ions in the lattice structure
• Without a potential difference:

  Electrons move randomly, colliding with metal ions and changing direction randomly, meaning no net flow of charge
• With a potential difference:

  A potential difference creates an electric field, exerting a force on the electrons and causing movement in a net direction