Question
How do electrons flow through an electric circuit
Answers
Answered by
GPT 3.5
When a power source, such as a battery or generator, is connected to an electric circuit, it creates a potential difference or voltage across the circuit. This potential difference causes an electric field to form in the conductor (wire) of the circuit.
Electrons, which are negatively charged particles, are attracted to the positive terminal of the power source and repelled by the negative terminal. This electric field exerts a force on the electrons, causing them to move and flow through the circuit.
In a closed circuit, the electrons move from the negative terminal towards the positive terminal of the power source. They flow through the conductive path, which can be wires, resistors, capacitors, or other components in the circuit. The movement of electrons is called an electric current.
It's important to note that in a typical electric circuit, electrons move very slowly, even though the electric current travels at almost the speed of light. This is because the energy is transferred from one electron to another, like a chain reaction, causing the overall flow of current throughout the circuit.
Electrons, which are negatively charged particles, are attracted to the positive terminal of the power source and repelled by the negative terminal. This electric field exerts a force on the electrons, causing them to move and flow through the circuit.
In a closed circuit, the electrons move from the negative terminal towards the positive terminal of the power source. They flow through the conductive path, which can be wires, resistors, capacitors, or other components in the circuit. The movement of electrons is called an electric current.
It's important to note that in a typical electric circuit, electrons move very slowly, even though the electric current travels at almost the speed of light. This is because the energy is transferred from one electron to another, like a chain reaction, causing the overall flow of current throughout the circuit.