A large number of free electrons are present in metals. Why is there no current in the absence of electric field across it?

The free electrons present in the metals vibrate randomly. They do not move in a specific direction. In the absence of an electric field, their average velocity is zero.

Electric current is due to the flow of charge in a definite direction. When the electric field is absent there is no definite direction for the motion of electrons. So, there is no electric current.

If an electric field is applied, all electrons start drifting in a specific direction and this creates an electric current.
 

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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