Does Electron Flow Reverse the Conventional Current Direction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the confusion surrounding the direction of current flow in electronic circuits, specifically regarding Electron Flow versus Conventional Current. It is established that conventional current is defined as the flow of positive charge from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of a battery, despite the actual flow of electrons being from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. This discrepancy arises because conventional current assumes positive charge carriers, while in reality, electrons, which are negatively charged, flow in the opposite direction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, including voltage and current.
  • Familiarity with charge carriers in electrical circuits, specifically electrons and positive ions.
  • Knowledge of conventional current versus electron flow in circuit theory.
  • Basic grasp of battery operation and terminal polarity.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between Conventional Current and Electron Flow in detail.
  • Study the role of charge carriers in various types of circuits, including metallic and ionic conductors.
  • Explore the implications of current direction on circuit analysis and design.
  • Learn about the historical context and reasoning behind the convention of current direction in electrical engineering.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for electrical engineering students, educators, and anyone seeking to clarify the fundamental concepts of current flow in electronic circuits.

shehri
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Homework Statement


I'm much too confused about direction of flow of current.Conventionally, it's said that flow of charge is due to +ve charge carriers & high potential end of battery being +ve & low potential end being -ve,current flow will be from positive(high) to negative (low) terminal.But in case of electric current when flow of current is due to electrons (-ve charge carriers) what'll become of high & low ends.Should'nt we say that high potential terminal is -ve & low potential is positive because it's electron deficient?.In simple terms my confusion is:
"If electronic circuit is due to electron flow ,are they flowing from high (-ve) to low(+ve) terminal?

Homework Equations



N.A

The Attempt at a Solution


Nill
 
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shehri,

we all are confused. With metallic wires, electrons carry charge, but in other instances positive ions, carry current. So we decide that by convention, positive charges are the current carriers, knowing well this isn't true. BUt the math comes out the same for simple physics.
 
Last edited:

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