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Electrons do not flow, but they might be though of as 'flowing' as they transfer charges between them. The reason that electron flow is the opposite direction from current is that historical theories of electrical flow (current) treated it as a movement of positive charges rather than negative charges.

There is no actual difference that could be discerned, except that we now know that negative charges (electrons) constitute the basis of most common electricity.

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When charges continually shift from flowing in one direction to flowing in the reverse direction there is a what current?

Alternating current would fit this description.


The opposite direction of conventional current?

It doesn't always do so, but it does, in the case of an electron current."Conventional current" is, by definition, the equivalent of a flow of positive electric charge. So, if a current consists of positive carriers (e.g., holes, or positive ions), the conventional current flows in the same direction as the current carriers. On the other hand, if the current consists of negative carriers (like electrons - the most common carrier for electric current), the electrons flow in one direction, but the conventional (positive, fictitious you might say) current flows in the other direction.On a macroscopic scale, it is often useful to forget about the actual current carriers; for example, an electron current flowing to the left, and a current of positive ions flowing to the right, will have the same effect on a magnetic field.It doesn't always do so, but it does, in the case of an electron current."Conventional current" is, by definition, the equivalent of a flow of positive electric charge. So, if a current consists of positive carriers (e.g., holes, or positive ions), the conventional current flows in the same direction as the current carriers. On the other hand, if the current consists of negative carriers (like electrons - the most common carrier for electric current), the electrons flow in one direction, but the conventional (positive, fictitious you might say) current flows in the other direction.On a macroscopic scale, it is often useful to forget about the actual current carriers; for example, an electron current flowing to the left, and a current of positive ions flowing to the right, will have the same effect on a magnetic field.It doesn't always do so, but it does, in the case of an electron current."Conventional current" is, by definition, the equivalent of a flow of positive electric charge. So, if a current consists of positive carriers (e.g., holes, or positive ions), the conventional current flows in the same direction as the current carriers. On the other hand, if the current consists of negative carriers (like electrons - the most common carrier for electric current), the electrons flow in one direction, but the conventional (positive, fictitious you might say) current flows in the other direction.On a macroscopic scale, it is often useful to forget about the actual current carriers; for example, an electron current flowing to the left, and a current of positive ions flowing to the right, will have the same effect on a magnetic field.It doesn't always do so, but it does, in the case of an electron current."Conventional current" is, by definition, the equivalent of a flow of positive electric charge. So, if a current consists of positive carriers (e.g., holes, or positive ions), the conventional current flows in the same direction as the current carriers. On the other hand, if the current consists of negative carriers (like electrons - the most common carrier for electric current), the electrons flow in one direction, but the conventional (positive, fictitious you might say) current flows in the other direction.On a macroscopic scale, it is often useful to forget about the actual current carriers; for example, an electron current flowing to the left, and a current of positive ions flowing to the right, will have the same effect on a magnetic field.


When charges shift from flowing one direction to another what current is there?

From your question it sounds like alternating current.


When charges continually shift from flowing in one direction to flowing in the reverse direction what current is there?

When charges continually shift direction, alternating currents (AC) are present. AC involves charges oscillating back and forth in a circuit, with the direction changing periodically. This is different from direct current (DC), where charges flow consistently in one 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.

Related Questions

Why the current is flowing in opposite direction in cables?

the charge of the electron is negative


Why current flowing from positive to negative?

because current flows in the opposite direction of the flow of electron.since electrons are negatively charged particle they moves towards the positive and hence current flows in the opposite direction to the flow of electrons (that is from positive to negative)


Why galvanometer show opposite deflection?

A galvanometer shows opposite deflection because the current flowing through it causes a magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnet inside the galvanometer. The direction of the magnetic field determines the direction of deflection of the needle, resulting in opposite deflection depending on the direction of current flow.


What is the difference between altenating current and direct current?

The current (or electrons if you will {but thought of as flowing in the opposite direction} in a DC circuit flows only in one direction. In an AC circuit the current periodically flows in the opposite direction (in the US this usually happens 120 times a second, so 60 cycles per second.)


Are the two currents flowing in the same direction or in opposite directions?

The two currents are flowing in opposite directions.


When charges continually shift from flowing in one direction to flowing in the reverse direction there is a what current?

Alternating current would fit this description.


Do electrons really flow when current flows?

That means that there is actually something - the electrons - flowing in the specified direction. On the other hand, the "conventional current" is defined as the equivalent flow of positive charge. In the case that the charge carriers are negative (such as electrons), the conventional current flows in the opposite direction to the actual movement of charges.


An oceanographer notes a whirlpool of warm water in the middle of the cold Sargasso Sea How is this possible?

A countercurrent is flowing in the opposite direction of the wind-related current.


Why it is that electron does not flow there is no current flowing?

Electrons are in random motion in a material, such that there is no resultant electron movement. Hence a material has no current flow by its own. Only the directed flow of this charge in a direction, will results in current. when we provide sufficient energy (for example by mean of applied potential difference ) the net motion of the electron gives rise to the current flow.


When charges continually shift from flowing in one direction to flowing in the reverse direction?

. . . then that would be alternating current, or simply, 'AC'.


How can one determine the direction in which current is flowing?

One can determine the direction in which current is flowing by using a device called a compass or by observing the movement of charged particles in a circuit.


How does electrical current flow in a circuit?

There is a potential difference (voltage) between two points and a path for electrons to travel from an area of low potential (negative) to an area of high potential (positive). Note the direction of "current flow" is opposite the direction of electron flow. In other words current flows from positive to negative. In a circuit involving only a resistor, the current flowing in the circuit is given by I=V/R where I = current, V= voltage, and R=resistance.