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Current flows from positive to negative.
Electrons flow from negative to positive.
This is historic, and arbitrary.
Another AnswerThe original answer is not wholly correct, and neither is it correct to say that the direction of an electric current is 'arbitrary'.Current direction is defined in terms of its direction through a load (never through the voltage source, such as a battery or generator).
An electric current is a flow of charged particles. In metal conductors, these are
negatively-charged electrons. Therefore, in metal conductors, current flows from negative to positive through a load. This is because the negative electrons in a conductor are repelled by an external negative charge and attracted towards an external positive (or 'less negative') charge.
In the 18th century, long before the nature of the atom was understood, scientists, such as Benjamin Franklin believed that an electric current was the flow of some mysterious 'fluid' that moved from a higher pressure to a lower pressure. Naturally, the considered the higher pressure to be 'positive' and the lower pressure to be 'negative'. Therefore, they believed current flowed from 'positive to negative'. Faraday agreed with this direction, based on his observations of his experiments in electrolysis (although he thought that current was a 'field' rather than a 'fluid'). Unfortunately, they were wrong.
To distinguish the latter from the former, a direction of positive to negative is termed 'conventional flow', whereas a direction of negative to positive is termed 'electron flow'. Modern textbooks use either 'conventional flow' or 'electron flow', depending on the author's preference.
What else can I help you with?
When using kirchhoffs current law if negative answer is found for current flow what does this indicate?
A negative answer in a Kirchhoff's Current Law calculation indicates that the assumed direction of current flow was incorrect. It suggests that the actual direction of current flow is opposite to the assumed direction. Therefore, the sign of the calculated current should be corrected to reflect the actual flow direction.
What is current flowing in One Direction?
Direct current (DC) is the type of current that flows in one direction continuously. This is in contrast to alternating current (AC), which changes direction periodically. Examples of devices that operate using DC include batteries and solar cells.
What direction does current flown an ac circuit?
In an AC circuit, the direction of current alternates back and forth periodically. This means that the current flows in one direction for a period of time and then reverses its direction, completing one cycle. This back-and-forth movement of current is what allows electrical devices to operate consistently and efficiently.
What additional factor will be change if the direction of a current flow is change?
direction of magnetic field
In induction motor the will the direction of the rotor will be in the direction of the current?
The direction an induction motor will turn depends upon the direction of the rotating field setup by the winding. Remember in AC the direction of the current reverses itself 120 times every second for a 60 hz system. So no it will not turn in the "direction" of the current.
What is the direction of the magnetic force on the current in (a)?
The direction of the magnetic force on the current in (a) is perpendicular to both the direction of the current and the direction of the magnetic field.
What happens to the direction of a magnetic field around an electric current when the direction of the current is reversed?
The direction of the magnetic field around the electric current also reverses when the direction of the current is reversed. This is determined by the right-hand rule, where the direction of the magnetic field is perpendicular to the direction of the current flow.
In which direction will each compass point when there is a large current in the direction shown?
When there is a large current in the direction shown, each compass point will point in the same direction as the current.
What do you call current that does not reverse direction?
Direct current (DC) is the term used to refer to current that flows in one direction and does not reverse its direction. This is in contrast to alternating current (AC), which changes direction periodically.
What current flows in one direction then the opposite direction?
AC, Alternating Current.
When the flow of a current is aways in one direction?
When the flow of current is aways in one direction it is known as direct current.
When electric current changes direction is called?
When electric current changes direction, it is called alternating current (AC).
Is the current direction from left to right or right to left?
The current direction is from left to right.
How can one determine the direction of current in a magnetic field?
To determine the direction of current in a magnetic field, you can use the right-hand rule. Point your right thumb in the direction of the current and curl your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field. Your fingers will then point in the direction of the force acting on the current.
What are the 2 types of electrical current called?
Alternating Current which reverses its direction regularly at certain intervals Direct Current flowing continuously in one direction only
When using kirchhoffs current law if negative answer is found for current flow what does this indicate?
A negative answer in a Kirchhoff's Current Law calculation indicates that the assumed direction of current flow was incorrect. It suggests that the actual direction of current flow is opposite to the assumed direction. Therefore, the sign of the calculated current should be corrected to reflect the actual flow direction.
Current that does not reverse direction?
direct current
