Engineering Electron flow through basic circuit element

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about electron flow in a basic circuit, the focus is on determining whether electrons are entering or leaving terminal 2 under two different voltage and current conditions. For Situation A, with a voltage of 40V and a current of -10A, the analysis suggests that electrons are leaving terminal 2, despite the book stating they are entering. In Situation B, with a voltage of -60V and the same current, a similar conclusion is drawn regarding electron flow. The confusion arises from the interpretation of current direction versus electron flow, with conventional flow notation being a key point of discussion. Ultimately, both interpretations are acknowledged as valid, highlighting the complexity of understanding current and electron flow in circuits.
Weird Fishes
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Homework Statement


Given that the current flow is due to electron flow, state whether electrons are entering or leaving terminal 2.
Code:
   i   _____
  -->  |   |
- -----|1  |
v      |   |
+ -----|2  |
       |___|

Situation A: V=40V, i=-10A
Situation B: V=-60V, i=-10A


Homework Equations


none.


The Attempt at a Solution


My thinking was this:
Code:
  -10  _____
  -->  |   |
- -----|1  |
40     |   |
+ -----|2  |
       |___|
would be the equivalent of:
Code:
  10   _____
  <--  |   |
- -----|1  |
40     |   |
+ -----|2  |
       |___|

meaning that current would be entering 2, and since we have defined current to be positive in the direction opposite the actual flow of electrons that electrons would be leaving 2. The solution doesn't elaborate, but it says that electrons are entering 2.

B:
Code:
  -10  _____
  -->  |   |
- -----|1  |
-60    |   |
+ -----|2  |
       |___|
would be the equivalent of:
Code:
  10   _____
  <--  |   |
+ -----|1  |
60     |   |
- -----|2  |
       |___|

meaning the same scenario as A, with the exception of voltage polarity. I was under the assumption that the flow of current defined the flow of electrons.
(using conventional flow notation and the passive sign convention)

All in all, I'm just looking for a correction of my logic. I doubt the solutions given are wrong, but I suppose it is possible.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Your solutions are correct.
 
I feel that the current direction shown is with respect to the voltage source positive terminal and not through node 1. In this way, the solution given in the book may be correct. Any ways, your way of thinking and your solutions are also correct.
 

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