How does the drift velocity of free electrons in a metallic conductor change when the magnitude of the applied electric field across the conductor is doubled, assuming temperature remains constant?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Drift velocity is directly proportional to the applied electric field strength through the relation vd equals mobility multiplied by the electric field, meaning doubling the field doubles the drift velocity. The quadratic relationship applies to kinetic energy or power dissipation rather than average drift speed. Drift velocity is not independent of external electrical forces in a conductor. Inverse relationships characterize resistance behavior in certain nonlinear devices rather than standard ohmic metallic conductors. The relaxation time between successive collisions of electrons determines the constant of proportionality.