drift velocity

physics

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June 25, 2026

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In physics, drift velocity is the average velocity attained by charged particles, such as electrons in a metal or ions in an electrolyte, when moved along by an electric field. These particles are influenced by both the electric field and collisions with atoms in the material.1

Mobility is a measure of how easily a charged particle moves through a solid under an electric field. It is defined as the drift velocity per unit of electric field strength. Higher mobility means a faster particle movement at a given electric field. Mobility can be affected by temperature and the type of material, with semiconductors having complex mobility due to both electrons and "holes" carrying current.1

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electricity
Basic phenomena and principles
…field, they acquire some average drift velocity in the direction opposite the field. In conductors of this variety, the drift velocity is limited by collisions, which heat the conductor.
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…field, they acquire some average drift velocity in the direction opposite the field. In conductors of this variety, the drift velocity is limited by collisions, which heat the conductor.
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mobility
…an average velocity, called the drift velocity. The charge carrier in most metals is the negatively charged electron (see electron scattering).
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…an average velocity, called the drift velocity. The charge carrier in most metals is the negatively charged electron (see electron scattering).
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