[witsend]

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?

[Chemistry4me]

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

[Raghavendra]

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

[analynsarte]

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.

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newbielink:http://www.ichatscience.com/ [nonactive]