electric current in a metal

Question 1

What carries electric current in a metal

Answer 1

In metals, electric current is the flow of free electrons.

Question 2

What direction do electrons flow in a metal

Answer 2

Electrons flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal of a power source.

Question 3

Can electric current involve other charge carriers besides electrons?

Answer 3

Yes, in some materials, current is due to both negative and positive charge carriers.

Question 4

How does current flow in electrolytes?

Answer 4

In liquids (electrolytes), current is carried by:

Positive ions moving toward the negative electrode.

Negative ions moving toward the positive electrode.

Question 5

How does current flow in semiconductors like silicon and germanium?

Answer 5

Current flows through:

Electrons (negative charge carriers)

Holes (positive charge carriers – spots where an electron is missing)

Question 6

What types of charge carriers exist in different materials

Answer 6

Metals ➝ Free electrons

Electrolytes ➝ Positive and negative ions

Semiconductors ➝ Electrons and holes