The velocity of an electron is not fixed - it depends on the situation and energy of the electron.
1. In an atom (Bohr model):
For a hydrogen atom:
- Electron velocity = 2.2 × 10⁶ m/s
This is the speed of the electron in the first orbit (ground state).
2. In electric fields (free electron):
- Velocity depends on the potential difference (voltage) applied
- Higher voltage → higher kinetic energy → higher velocity
3. In conductors (drift velocity):
- Very small (-10⁻⁴ m/s)
- This is the average velocity due to electric current
Important Note:
- Electron velocity can vary widely depending on:
- Energy level
- External fields
- Type of motion
Key Takeaway:
Electron velocity is not constant - it varies from very small (in conductors) to very high (~10⁶ m/s in atoms) depending on the context.