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Difficulty: EasyElectrical Current and Electron Flow

When a direct-current (DC) circuit is energized, which of the following statements correctly describes the physical movement of electrical charge through a solid metallic conductor?

  1. A
    Electrons move from the positive terminal toward the negative terminal.
  2. Electrons move from the negative terminal toward the positive terminal.Answer
  3. C
    Voltage particles move from the negative terminal toward the positive terminal.
  4. D
    Protons move freely through the metallic lattice toward the positive terminal.

Answer

Electrons move from the negative terminal toward the positive terminal.
In solid conductors like copper wire, electrical current is physically composed of negatively charged free electrons drifting away from the negative power source terminal and toward the positive terminal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the charge carriers responsible for current in solid metal conductors.
Free (valence) electrons carry electrical charge in metals, while positive atomic nuclei remain stationary in the lattice.
Establishing the physical particle involved distinguishes electron flow from atomic or ionic movement.
2
Determine the direction of electrostatic force exerted on negative charges by the power source.
Negatively charged electrons are repelled by the negative terminal and attracted to the positive terminal.
Like charges repel and opposite charges attract, establishing the direction of electron drift.

Key Concept

Physical current in metallic conductors consists of electron flow traveling from negative potential to positive potential.
Estimated Time:30s
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Topics

Electrical Current and Electron Flow

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