How do electrons move in a circuit

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SUMMARY

Electrons in a circuit flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, contrary to conventional current flow which is described as moving from positive to negative. This movement is driven by the potential difference created by the battery, which establishes an electric field within the wire. The electric field exerts a force on the electrons, causing them to drift towards the positive terminal. Understanding this fundamental concept is crucial for grasping basic electrical engineering principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electric circuits
  • Knowledge of potential difference and electric fields
  • Familiarity with electron behavior in conductive materials
  • Concept of conventional current vs. electron flow
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of Ohm's Law and its applications
  • Explore the concept of electric fields in more detail
  • Learn about the behavior of electrons in different materials, focusing on conductors and insulators
  • Investigate the role of potential difference in circuit design and analysis
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of how electricity flows in circuits.

ehabmozart
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Apparently, this would be an easy question but I really have no clue. Consider a battery connected by a simple wire from positive terminal to the negative terminal. How do electrons flow? From -ve to +ve terminal? Right? NOW, how does it move so? In most texts, they say due to the potential difference and the electric field produced by the +ve terminal. Now consider the +ve side, they direct electric field to the right for example, the electrons then must be attracted to the left. How do they move along the wire? Thanks in advance for any help
 
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