How does the drift velocity change with a change in the potentialdifference across the conductor?

The drift velocity of electrons in a conductor is directly proportional to the electric field applied, which is determined by the potential difference across the conductor. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. When a potential difference is applied across a conductor, it creates an electric field within the conductor.

2. This electric field exerts a force on the free electrons (charge carriers) in the conductor.

3. Due to this force, the electrons start moving in a direction opposite to the electric field (since electrons are negatively charged). This movement of electrons is random due to the numerous collisions with atoms in the conductor, but there is a net movement in the direction opposite to the electric field.

4. This net movement of electrons is what we call drift velocity.

5. As the potential difference (and thus the electric field) increases, the force on the electrons increases. This leads to a higher net speed of the electrons, i.e., a higher drift velocity.

6. Therefore, the drift velocity increases with an increase in the potential difference across the conductor.

It's important to note that this relationship is linear as long as the temperature of the conductor remains constant. If the temperature increases, the atoms in the conductor vibrate more, leading to more collisions with the electrons and thus a decrease in drift velocity.