Understanding Conventional Current and Electron Flow

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In a D.C. circuit, conventional current flows from higher potential to lower potential, while electron flow moves in the opposite direction, from lower potential to higher potential. This apparent contradiction arises because conventional current is defined based on positive charge movement, despite electrons being negatively charged. The heat loss in wires is attributed to the movement of electrons, which indeed flow from a region of lower potential to higher potential, resulting in energy loss as they encounter resistance. The work done on electrons, calculated as q(V2-V1), aligns with this understanding, as the negative charge of electrons leads to a positive work done when moving against the electric field. This highlights the importance of considering charge polarity in electrostatic equations for a clearer conceptual understanding.
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Conventional Current?

Hi guys,

I have a pretty simple conceptual problem that has been bugging me for a while. In a D.C. circuit, the conventional current moves from higher potential to lower potential. But the electron flow is opposite that of the conventional current. That means that the electrons move from lower potential to higher potential?? How can that be possible, since the heat loss in the wires should arise in electron flow from higher to lower potential.
 
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When a charge moves from potential V1 to V2, work done = q(V2-V1). This work done is manifested as heat loss. Since q for an electron is negative, V2-V1 is also negative to make work done positive, => v2<V1.
 
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh so you can consider charges with the polarity in the electrostatic equations! Well, i guess my teacher was too lazy and taught the topic using modulus.
 

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