Let's define electrical current as the flow of electrons (there are more complex theories, but in the interest of keeping things simple). Referring to the simple DC circuit diagram below:

Question:
What direction is the electricity flowing?

Choices:
From the positive terminal to the negative terminal.
From the negative terminal to the positive terminal.
By convention, electrical diagrams are always depicted with the flow as clockwise.
By convention, electrical diagrams are always depicted with the flow as counter-clockwise.
It depends which hemisphere you're in.

 

If the charge of your material that is conducting is positive, then the flow of electron is the same as the current flow. If your the charge of the material that is conducting is negative, then the current flow will be opposite direction.

Unless you are traveling faster than the speed of light and turn your headlights on, then the elephants will be banging tambourines on the dark-side of the moon, but no one in the forest can hear the trees scream.

I think.

But I need to review my notes...

Put me down for the sixth choice and I'll get back to you.


And never lick the posts of a car battery to see if it is "good".

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:. . . And never lick the posts of a car battery to see if it is "good".

Don't grab the black and white wires with your hands when standing barefoot in a puddle of water.

None of the above. Electrons don’t actually flow as typically described. Rather, they help transmit the electromotive force.

quote:

Originally posted by jaaron11:
None of the above. Electrons don’t actually flow as typically described. Rather, they help transmit the electromotive force.

That's one of the "complex theories" I was hoping to avoid.

Probably just needs a fresh battery.

Negative to positive, except inside of the battery where it is positive to negative. Unless you learned electronics in the Navy.

I have inconvenienced many many electrons to do things I wished done and they have done as I expected in a quick and efficient manner without complaint or issue.

Based on that compliance and performance I’ve never questioned how they got it done nor have I cared.

I’m guess I’m spoiled.

I was taught that the current was actually the holes that the electrons live in moving. I'm not sure that makes any more sense than the electrons moving themselves.

But, since diodes exist, and diodes work, current must have a direction. If you wouldn't mind, add a diode to your circuit and then I can tell you the direction.

Oh, no no no...you splice in the diode, and I'll tell you if you got the direction right.

Ben Franklin didn't know what an electron is.

I'm reminded that here in UK, Lucas, AKA 'Prince of Darkness' discovered that electricity in wiring takes the form of black smoke, that leaks out of it when anything goes wrong.

When you say "electrons" do you really mean the angry pixies that live in the batteria?

quote:

Originally posted by tacfoley:
I'm reminded that here in UK, Lucas, AKA 'Prince of Darkness' discovered that electricity in wiring takes the form of black smoke, that leaks out of it when anything goes wrong.

We know Lucas. My first car was a Triumph.

I'm positive that is is from the negative.

In what dimension is the circuit?
What universe in that dimension?
Which galaxy?
Which solar system?
Which planet?
Which hemisphere?
Which continent?
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Yes, I’m stalling for time because I haven’t a clue, other than to say it it’s in a 1960s British car it matters not because those things rarely worked.

I have no idea, But I'm going to keep an ion this thread.

Opposite of the holes.

If your diagram is conventional, then it flows from pos to neg. If your diagram shows electron flow, then neg to pos.

Inserting a diode changes nothing as long as you define what type of diagram you're creating.

And lastly, Jaaron11 is correct in that they actually just transmit the energy, but the force does create a flow.

Well having learned the hard way "not" to "ever" take anyone's word about a breaker being off!! (I had this experience. It was summer S. Fla was inside a friends back yard pump enclosure was sweating appropriately. I was replacing his water pump electric plug when I became the link between the one hand holding 110v and the other hand on the metal pump housing which was attached to a 2" metal water intake going deep into the ground. I am here to tell you after the oh so brief thought flashed I was going to die as I could not turn loose. The current seemed to alternate directions, in waves so intense as to be describable.}
I'm in the alternating current going both ways camp!
DC not sure. Early training with my mechanic Dad shorting spark plug wires to car grounds for laughs, only left me feeling hollow.