8.2 Moving charges Flashcards
What is current?
Current is the movement of electrons in metals and movement of ions in electrolytes.
How is a current induced?
A current will be induced in a wire when one end has a positive charge and the other a negative charge. Free-moving electrons within the wire are repelled from the negative end and are attracted to the positive end, creating a flow of electrons.
What is conventional current?
Conventional current is an old theory that behaves as if positive charge carriers cause current flow. Conventional current flows from the positive terminal to the negative.
How does electrolysis work?
In electrolysis, a current is induced through two electrodes into an aqueous solution of a chemical compound or a molten metal compound. The positive ions, known as the cations, are attracted to the negative electrode, known as the cathode. The negative ions, known as the anions, are attracted to the positive electrode, known as the anode. The charge carriers in the solution are called electrolytes.
