“Which direction does the current flow?”
SUPER common question.
..both among beginners and more experienced people.
Or well – more experienced people usually ask me why I draw the current the “wrong” way.
So, do I?
Which direction does the current REALLY go? From positive to negative, or vice-versa?
Here are two facts for you:
1. It doesn’t matter
2. The current can go both ways
“It doesn’t matter” – As long as you decide on a direction and make all your calculations using that direction, your calculations will be right.
“The current can go both ways” – Yep, that’s right. Depending on if there are positive or negative charge carriers at work. In metals, we have negative charge carriers. Also called electrons. They flow from negative to positive.
But, the conventional way of talking about current direction is from positive to negative.
That’s why I use that direction.
Get started building electronics here:
https://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/products/getting-started-with-electronics-ebook
Keep on Soldering!
Oyvind
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