Current Direction Convention Explained
In electric circuits, two types of current direction are considered:
- Electron Flow: This is the actual physical movement of electrons, which are negatively charged particles. Electrons flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal of a power source.
- Conventional Current: This is the historical definition of current direction, established before the discovery of the electron. It assumes that current is the flow of positive charge.
Relationship Between Conventional Current and Electron Flow
Since electrons are negatively charged, their movement is from negative to positive. By convention, the direction of electric current is defined as the direction in which positive charges would flow. Therefore, the conventional current direction is always opposite to the direction of electron flow.
Given that the question asks for the assigned direction of electric current relative to the flow of electrons, the convention dictates it is opposite.
Therefore, the correct option is the one stating the direction is opposite to the flow of electrons.
Important Questions from Electric Current
The work done in moving a charge of 2 coulomb (C) from point A to point B is 24 J. What is the potential difference between A and B?
Two conducting wires of the same material and of equal lengths and equal diameters are first connected in parallel and then in series in a circuit across the same potential difference. The ratio of heat produced in parallel and series combinations is
Direction of flow of electric current is from
- A constant potential difference is applied across a metallic conductor of non-uniform cross-section. If the cross-sectional area at section P is $A_P$ and at section Q is $A_Q$, and given that $A_P > A_Q$, which of the following statements is correct?
If 20 Coulombs of charge passes a point in a circuit in 1 second, what is the value of the current flowing?
