Naked Science Forum

On the Lighter Side => Science Experiments => Topic started by: witsend on 09/05/2009 21:38:21

Title: What flows in an electric current?
Post by: witsend on 09/05/2009 21:38:21

I have a very elementary question.  What flows in an electric current?  This is variously described as electrons on the outer energy levels of atoms that 'align' in response to potential difference from the source - or to the flow of electrons that are 'free floating' on the surface of the conductive material.

If the the former - then they would not adjust at the speed consistent with current flow.  If the latter, then what happens if all the electrons, theoretically, reach the terminal of a battery supply source?

Title: Re: What flows in an electric current?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 11/05/2009 08:13:48

See if: http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=22858.0 helps
As well as http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/GBSSCI/PHYS/CLASS/circuits/u9l2c.html

Title: Re: What flows in an electric current?
Post by: Raghavendra on 11/05/2009 09:43:05

It is like "out-in" .. ex- electrons go out and another will come in...

Title: What flows in an electric current?
Post by: analynsarte on 26/06/2009 06:20:55

Electric current is the flow of electric charge that is carried by, for example, mobile electrons in a conductor, ions in an electrolyte or both in a plasma. The word current simply use it to say that something is happening in the wires i.e charge is moving.

----------------
Science News and Reasearch (http://www.ichatscience.com/)