Is current flow not equal to electricity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that current flow is not equivalent to electricity, as electricity is a broad term encompassing various phenomena. In a simple electrochemical cell, the more electropositive metal ionizes and releases electrons, which flow through the wire, while current is defined in the opposite direction. The choice of current flow direction predates the discovery of electrons and does not affect the understanding of electricity. It is essential to use precise terminology when discussing these concepts to avoid confusion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electrochemistry, specifically simple electrochemical cells.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of current flow and charge carriers.
  • Knowledge of the distinction between conventional current and electron flow.
  • Awareness of the historical context of electrical terminology.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electrochemical cells and their components.
  • Learn about the differences between conventional current and electron flow.
  • Explore the historical development of electrical terminology and its implications.
  • Investigate the behavior of charge carriers in various materials, including metals and electrolytes.
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Students of physics and chemistry, educators explaining electrical concepts, and anyone seeking clarity on the relationship between current flow and electricity.

NaNa_Touya
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Before i start my question , i have to mention that I'm only a beginner for physics and chemistry , if possible , please explain in the way that easier to be understand.

In simple cell , 2 different metals are immersed in an electrolyte and connected to ammeter , the metal which is more electropositive will ionize and released electrons . The flow of electrons through wire is called electricity.

Current flow is in the opposite direction with the electron flow. Therefore can I conclude that current flow is not equal to electricity?
 
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Hi
The word "electricity' has no definite meaning. It's a generic term for that field of study and quantities.
So you do not need to worry about what is or what isn't 'electricity', if you are trying to be precise. You just need to use the right terms at the right time.

The direction that was chosen to define the flow of current was, perhaps, unfortunate for people starting off on the subject and they tend to thing "someone got it wrong". The fact is that it is irrelevant and the choice was made long before electrons had been observed. You can deal with pretty much the whole of 'electricity' without any reference to electrons at all. The only time they become relevant is when you are dealing with the details of how the charge may be flowing in any situation. In your example of current through an electrolyte, negative charges (electrons) are flowing from cathode to anode and positive charges (ions) are flowing the other way. In the case of a metal, the only actual moving charges are electrons because the positive ions are 'stuck' in the solid lattice and electrons are very free to move about from place to place. In a CRT, it is electrons that move about, of course.
But, if you were to make a beam of protons (done frequently in accelerators) you would have a (conventional) current that is traveling in the same direction as the charge carriers.
So neither choice would be right or wrong. One just has to live with the initial confusion and 'get over it' as lary kids say.
 

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