Electrons move in opposite direction of current?

AI Thread Summary
Electrons move in the opposite direction to the conventional current and electric field due to historical conventions established in early electrical theory. This confusion arises because conventional current assumes positive charge flow, while electrons are negatively charged and move in the opposite direction. Understanding electricity through conventional current flow is often simpler for beginners, despite the reality of electron flow. The discussion emphasizes that grasping these concepts may not require deep understanding, as the conventions are primarily for practical application. Ultimately, the distinction between electron flow and conventional current is a foundational aspect of electrical theory.
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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.
 
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http://xkcd.com/567/
 
Thanks. I understand now.
 
The only thing to understand is: there is nothing to understand :wink:
 
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.
 
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