as i am learning i am hit with 2 ways to look at current flow-conventional and electron
which one do you guys use when you refer to current flow?
which one do you guys use when you refer to current flow?
Both are equally valid of course, but I prefer to imagine that those doughty little electrons are struggling their way around the circuit!
Conceptually there's nothing wrong with conventional flow, schematic symbols are drawn with conventional in mind, but occasionally electron flow clarifies understanding. Use whichever makes sense in the given circumstance.
By convention, current considered to be positive charges that flow from a more positive potential
to a more negative potential.
As it happens this is physically backwards (blame Ben Franklin), but the math works out either way.
to a more negative potential.
As it happens this is physically backwards (blame Ben Franklin), but the math works out either way.
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Read simply put -
Direction of current flow and electron flow | Voltage Lab
and-
Difference between Electron Current and Conventional Current
Sorry a 30 second wait involved.
Direction of current flow and electron flow | Voltage Lab
and-
Difference between Electron Current and Conventional Current
Sorry a 30 second wait involved.
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All use positive current flow. You will get confused, confuse others, and make mistakes
if you try to buck convention, for no practical reason. It's a historical artifact, like driving
on one particular side of the road. You have to be consistent.
if you try to buck convention, for no practical reason. It's a historical artifact, like driving
on one particular side of the road. You have to be consistent.
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The only place it matters is INside an electron tube. Even so, all the old tube-guys I know picture current "falling from plate to cathode" unless they absolutely have to account for reality (the beginner's chapter where pointy-nose electrons run around inside the bottle).
One of the text books I used called Electronic Devices by TL Floyd, was actually published in two versions. One adhering to electron current flow and the other to conventional current flow.
From my point of view, Electron current flow is preferable. But considering all the old laws around magnetism were written with conventional current.
Here electronics students are taught using electron current flow.
But electrical (electrician) text books still use conventional current flow.
Just use one of them consistently and it should not matter.
From my point of view, Electron current flow is preferable. But considering all the old laws around magnetism were written with conventional current.
Here electronics students are taught using electron current flow.
But electrical (electrician) text books still use conventional current flow.
Just use one of them consistently and it should not matter.