Charge drift for a light bulb?

Oargarep · 25th November 2009, 20:39

I was reading a science book when I saw a question.-
It said that the average drift on a very small amount of charge passing through a copper wire is 1mm(millimetre) per second. But how come that when we switch on a light bulb, it immedietly lights up being quite far from the switch. The only way of passing electrons being the long route of the wire.

Pork_Hunt · 8th December 2009, 07:56

The wire is already full of electrons, I reckon. Like turning on a tap on a full hose...

Anyone else?

blurrc · 8th December 2009, 11:15

I think pork correct. Like when you plug something into a wall socket, the cable becomes full of power so when you turn the appliance on it is already circulating electricity

PandaBear · 1st January 2010, 16:09

Every atom in everything has certain # of electrons in it.

Electrons can flow in some (=conductors) and not in others (=insulators).

25th November 2009, 20:39	#1
Oargarep New Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2	Charge drift for a light bulb? I was reading a science book when I saw a question.- It said that the average drift on a very small amount of charge passing through a copper wire is 1mm(millimetre) per second. But how come that when we switch on a light bulb, it immedietly lights up being quite far from the switch. The only way of passing electrons being the long route of the wire.

8th December 2009, 11:15	#3
blurrc Micro Poster Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ipswich, QLD Posts: 104	I think pork correct. Like when you plug something into a wall socket, the cable becomes full of power so when you turn the appliance on it is already circulating electricity __________________ Currently playing with my Q's

1st January 2010, 16:09	#4
PandaBear Moderator Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 2,800	Every atom in everything has certain # of electrons in it. Electrons can flow in some (=conductors) and not in others (=insulators). __________________

8th December 2009, 07:56	#2
Pork_Hunt Mini Poster Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Horsham, Vic Posts: 354	The wire is already full of electrons, I reckon. Like turning on a tap on a full hose... Anyone else?