- #1
oneplusone
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I was looking at a few circuit diagrams, and it seems like electrons move in the opposite direction as the electric field and current . Why is this? I don't really understand the intuition behind it.
Electrons move in opposite direction of current?
In summary, electrons move in the opposite direction of current due to the convention of electrical current flow. Electrical current is the flow of electric charge through a conductive material and is measured in amperes. Electrons move in a circuit due to the presence of an electric field, which causes them to move from areas of high potential energy to areas of low potential energy. The movement of electrons in a circuit is not instantaneous, but the flow of current can appear instantaneous due to the large number of electrons moving together. The direction of current is crucial in electronic devices as it determines the flow of electricity and the proper functioning of the device, and if the current is flowing in the wrong direction, the device may not work as intended or could potentially be
- #2
nsaspook
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- #3
oneplusone
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Thanks. I understand now.
- #4
Borek
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The only thing to understand is: there is nothing to understand 
- #5
sophiecentaur
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If you can't 'understand' Electricity based on conventional current flow then you will definitely not 'understand' the whole thing when it's been 'explained' using electron flow as a basis.
1. How do electrons move in opposite direction of current?
Electrons move in the opposite direction of current due to the convention of electrical current flow. The flow of current is defined as the direction of positive charge, so the direction of electron flow is considered the opposite.
2. What is electrical current?
Electrical current is the flow of electric charge, typically carried by electrons, through a conductive material. It is measured in amperes (A) and is a fundamental concept in electricity and electronics.
3. Why do electrons move in a circuit?
Electrons move in a circuit due to the presence of an electric field. The electric field exerts a force on the electrons, causing them to move from areas of high potential energy to areas of low potential energy, creating a flow of current.
4. Is the movement of electrons in a circuit instantaneous?
No, the movement of electrons in a circuit is not instantaneous. Electrons travel at a very slow speed, typically an average of 1 millimeter per second in a conductive material. However, the flow of current can appear instantaneous due to the large number of electrons moving together.
5. How does the direction of current affect the function of electronic devices?
The direction of current is crucial in electronic devices as it determines the flow of electricity and the proper functioning of the device. If the current is flowing in the wrong direction, the device may not work as intended or could potentially be damaged.
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