Charges, current, and Electric Field direction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that positive charges drift in the direction of the electric field, while negative charges drift in the opposite direction. This behavior is consistent regardless of whether the electric field is generated by a positive or negative charge. The concept of current density is explained as being aligned with the direction of current for positive charges and opposite for negative charges, reinforcing that electric field lines emanate outward from positive charges and inward toward negative charges.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and charge polarity
  • Familiarity with the concept of current density
  • Basic knowledge of charge movement in electric fields
  • Knowledge of vector direction in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between electric fields and charge movement
  • Learn about the mathematical formulation of current density
  • Explore the concept of electric field lines and their significance
  • Investigate the effects of different charge configurations on electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electric fields and charge behavior.

lu6cifer
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My book says that positive charges drift in the direction of electric field, and negative charges drift in the direction opposite of electric fields

But wouldn't that depend on if the electric field was generated from a positive or negative charge? How can they just make a generalization like that?

And it also says that current density is in the direction of current if charge is positive, but opposite if charge is negative...why is that?
 
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the direction of electric field is from +ve charge to -ve charge
2nd ans current density=current/area if current is due to +ve charges current is +ve hence current density and vice versa
 
omkar13 said:
the direction of electric field is from +ve charge to -ve charge
2nd ans current density=current/area if current is due to +ve charges current is +ve hence current density and vice versa

i am also agree with this. also keep in mind that the electric field lines are directed outward in case of +ive charge while directed inward in case of -ive charge
 

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