What is the relationship between electron flow and conventional current?

Study for the IGCSE Physics Electricity. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the relationship between electron flow and conventional current?

Explanation:
Conventional current is defined as the direction that positive charges would move in a circuit. In metal wires, the actual charge carriers are electrons, which are negatively charged. They are pushed from the negative terminal toward the positive terminal, so their motion is opposite to the direction of conventional current. This holds for direct current, where electrons move steadily in one opposite direction to the current, and for alternating current, where electrons oscillate back and forth while the conventional current direction is defined as the positive-charge flow. So the real electron flow is opposite to the conventional current direction.

Conventional current is defined as the direction that positive charges would move in a circuit. In metal wires, the actual charge carriers are electrons, which are negatively charged. They are pushed from the negative terminal toward the positive terminal, so their motion is opposite to the direction of conventional current. This holds for direct current, where electrons move steadily in one opposite direction to the current, and for alternating current, where electrons oscillate back and forth while the conventional current direction is defined as the positive-charge flow. So the real electron flow is opposite to the conventional current direction.

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