When electric current is passed, electrons move froma)high potential t...
Explanation:
When an electric current is passed through a conductor, such as a wire, the movement of electrons occurs in a specific direction. This movement of electrons is called electron flow. The direction of electron flow is opposite to the direction of conventional current flow, which is from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of a battery.
The movement of electrons:
- Electrons are negatively charged particles that are present in the outer shells of atoms.
- In a conductor, like a wire, electrons are loosely bound to their respective atoms and can move freely.
- When a potential difference is applied across a conductor, such as connecting a battery to a circuit, an electric field is established.
- This electric field exerts a force on the electrons in the conductor, causing them to move.
- The movement of electrons is from an area of high electric potential (high potential energy) to an area of low electric potential (low potential energy).
The direction of electron flow:
- The direction of electron flow is opposite to the direction of conventional current flow.
- Conventional current flow is defined as the direction of flow of positive charges, even though the actual charge carriers are electrons.
- This convention was established before the discovery of electrons, and it is still used today for historical reasons.
- Therefore, when an electric current is passed through a conductor, electrons move from an area of low potential to an area of high potential, which is opposite to the direction of conventional current flow.
Summary:
In summary, when an electric current is passed through a conductor, electrons move from an area of low electric potential to an area of high electric potential. This is opposite to the direction of conventional current flow, which is from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of a battery.