How do electrons flow in an electric circuit?

In summary, electrons in a circuit behave like a domino effect where one electron entering an atom causes an extra electron to be ejected from that atom. However, there is a transmission delay that makes the motion more like a wave. This wave-like motion can be seen in a tube filled with ping pong balls, where pushing one ball in results in another ball dropping out the other end after a short amount of time. In a conductor, there are also free electrons that act as charge carriers and travel past the atoms rather than going from one atom to another.
  • #1
lnsanity
34
0
I want to know if the flow of electron act like a domino effect where 1 electron enter 1 atom than 1 extra electron of that atom is ejected and so on or is it the same electron that move from where the current is produce to your home.
 
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  • #2
It's the first one, though there is a transmission delay that makes it much more like a wave.
 
  • #3
russ_watters said:
It's the first one, though there is a transmission delay that makes it much more like a wave.

Wave is a self propagating moving disturbance I think it is different than moving electron.
 
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  • #4
I think I explained that poorly: it is only the start of the motion that is wavelike. If you have a tube filled with ping pong balls and you push a ping pong ball into one end, one drops out the other end. At first glance, this may appear to be instantaneous, but it isn't. The motion starts as a wave propagating through the balls.
 
  • #5
yeah, the electron doesn't need to go all the way around the circuit to start powering a lightbulb. It is as russ said, the electrons at one end get pushed, and these electrons push other electrons, which means that after a (very) short amount of time, all the electrons start moving around in a circuit.

Also, in a conductor, there are electrons which are not associated with any atom, they are (almost completely) free electrons, these are the ones which are the charge carriers. So it is not really true that the electrons are going from atom to atom, more that they travel past the atoms.
 

1. What is the flow of electron electricity?

The flow of electron electricity, also known as electric current, refers to the movement of electric charge through a medium or conductive material. It is caused by the movement of electrons from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.

2. How is the flow of electron electricity measured?

The flow of electron electricity is measured using a unit called amperes (A), which represents the rate of flow of electric charge. It is typically measured using an ammeter, which is connected in series with the circuit through which the current is flowing.

3. What factors affect the flow of electron electricity?

The flow of electron electricity can be affected by several factors, such as the voltage or potential difference in the circuit, the resistance of the material through which the current is flowing, and the temperature of the material. In general, a higher voltage and lower resistance will result in a higher flow of electricity.

4. What is the relationship between the flow of electron electricity and electric power?

The flow of electron electricity and electric power are related through the equation P=IV, where P represents power, I represents current, and V represents voltage. This means that the power of an electric circuit increases as the flow of electricity increases, and vice versa.

5. How does the flow of electron electricity differ in AC and DC circuits?

In AC (alternating current) circuits, the flow of electron electricity constantly changes direction, while in DC (direct current) circuits, the flow is only in one direction. AC electricity is used for long-distance power transmission, while DC electricity is used for electronics and smaller devices.

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