Question

Do electrons and current flow in the same direction?

Answer 1

No, electrons and current do not flow in the same direction.

Here’s why:

1. Electron Flow: Electrons are negatively charged particles. In a typical electrical circuit, electrons move from the negative side (lower potential) to the positive side (higher potential) of the power source. This movement is called electron flow.
   

1. Conventional Current: By convention, we describe the direction of current flow as the movement of positive charge. Since electrons are negatively charged and move in the opposite direction, conventional current flows from the positive side to the negative side of the power source.
   

So, the actual movement of electrons is in the opposite direction of the conventional current. This convention was established before the discovery of the electron, and it’s still used in most electrical calculations and circuit diagrams.

In short:

1. Electron flow: Negative to positive.
   

1. Current flow: Positive to negative.
   

Hope that clears it up!