In 10 minutes, 3000 C of free electrons enter one end of a conductor and 3000 C leave the other end. The current is:

Charge Flow in Conductor – Current Calculation

Question: In 10 minutes, 3000 C of free electrons enter one end of a conductor and 3000 C leave the other end. The current is:

a) Zero

b) 5 A

c) 10 A

d) 30 A

Detailed Solution:

The electric current \(I\) is defined as the rate of flow of charge through any cross-section of the conductor:

\[ I = \frac{Q}{t} \]

Here, \(Q = 3000\,\text{C}\) enters (and an equal \(3000\,\text{C}\) leaves) over \(t = 10\,\text{minutes} = 10 \times 60\,\text{s} = 600\,\text{s}\).

Substituting:

\[ I = \frac{3000}{600} = 5 \,\text{A} \]

Thus, the current in the conductor is 5 A.

Correct answer: (b) 5 A