Understanding Conventional Current: Is It Directed Back into Source?

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In summary, the flow of conventional current is opposite to the flow of electrons. This means that in firing an electron beam, the conventional current produced is directed back into the source producing it. This can be demonstrated by the induced current in a coil of wire when electrons pass through it in the opposite direction.
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LanguageNerd
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I understand, thanks to basic physics concepts, that when the electrons flow through the circuit from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, the conventional flows from the positive terminal to the negative.

Am I right in thinking that in firing an electron beam, the conventional current produced is actually directed back into the source producing it?

May be quite simple but it's quite difficult to try and imagine.

Thanks for all help in advance,
LanguageNerd.
 
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I too had the confusion but consider it as taking and giving charges. Let us consider a 5 C charge system. Take 1 C to it, you get 4 C. Give -1 C to it, you get same 4 C charge system. This is a simple argument to show that the direction of current (positive charge) is opposite to the flow of electrons.
 
  • #3
LanguageNerd said:
I understand, thanks to basic physics concepts, that when the electrons flow through the circuit from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, the conventional flows from the positive terminal to the negative.

Am I right in thinking that in firing an electron beam, the conventional current produced is actually directed back into the source producing it?

This is correct. For example, if you put a coil of wire and let these electrons pass through the center, then the induced current in the coil is in the same direction as if you have positive charges going the opposite direction.

Zz.
 

1. What is conventional current and how is it different from electron flow?

Conventional current is the assumed flow of positive charge in a circuit, from the positive terminal of a battery to the negative terminal. This direction is opposite to the actual movement of electrons in a circuit, which flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. This convention was established before the discovery of electrons, and is still used to represent the direction of current in circuit diagrams.

2. Why is conventional current directed back into the source?

Conventional current is directed back into the source because it follows the path of least resistance. In a closed circuit, the path of least resistance is through the source, as the source provides the most direct path for the current to flow back to its starting point. This is also known as completing the circuit.

3. How does conventional current flow in series and parallel circuits?

In series circuits, conventional current flows in the same direction through each component, from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of the source. In parallel circuits, conventional current splits at junctions and flows through multiple paths before combining again at another junction. However, in both cases, conventional current is always directed back into the source.

4. Can conventional current change direction?

No, conventional current always flows in the same direction, from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of the source. It does not change direction unless there is a change in the circuit, such as a switch or a change in the source's polarity.

5. How does understanding conventional current help in circuit analysis?

Understanding conventional current is important in circuit analysis because it allows us to easily determine the direction of current flow and the effect of each component on the overall circuit. It also helps in predicting and troubleshooting potential issues in a circuit, as well as understanding the behavior of different circuit elements such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors.

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