In solid conductive metal, a large population of electrons are mobile or "free" electrons. These electrons are bound to the metal lattice but not to any individual atom. Even without an external electric field applied, these electrons move about randomly due to thermal energy but on average, there is zero net current within the metal. Given an imaginary plane through which the wire passes, the number of electrons moving from one side to the other in any period of time is exactly equal to the number passing in the opposite direction.
A typical metal wire for electrical conduction is the stranded copper wire.
A typical metal wire for electrical conduction is the stranded copper wire.
When a metal wire is connected across the two terminals of a DC voltage source such as a battery, the source places an electric field across the conductor. The moment contact is made, the free electrons of the conductor are forced to drift toward the positive terminal under the influence of this field. The free electron is therefore the current carrier in a typical solid conductor. For an electric current of 1 ampere rate, 1 coulomb of electric charge (which consists of about 6.242 × 1018 electrons) drifts every second through the imaginary plane through which the conductor passes.
2007-09-19 08:53:40
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Votlage creates the pressure in a wire and make the electrons flow. The flow of electrons is electricity. Measured in Amperes.
Imagine a water tank with a pump at one end. As long as the pump is not active the water just lies there in the tank. Once the pump starts working the water starts flowing.
2007-09-19 08:54:02
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answer #2
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answered by worldneverchanges 7
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it starts with a difference in potential(the voltage source) and a path(the wire) between the 2 different potentials. Nature will try to even out the potential if there is a path. so electrons start to move(current) from the higher potential to the lower and thus current flow.
Imagine you have 2 containers with water connected to each other with a hose. When you lift the one container higher than the other, water begins to flow to the lower container.
same principle as with electricity
2007-09-19 08:57:31
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answer #3
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answered by D. J 2
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the present is troubled via the resistance of the twine, however the form of the twine has little to do with it. the considerable parameter is the go-sectional area of the twine; the smaller that's, the better the resistance. yet regularly, the twine, or the music on the circuit board, merely gets the present to the area it desires to pass, and the resistance of the twine is so under the gadget using the present that that's no longer considerable in any respect. A bend interior the twine, or a slender place interior the circuit, will advance the resistance extremely because of the fact it reduces the area, however the electrons can exchange direction as much as needed with none difficulty.
2016-11-05 21:22:54
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Mostly-- it's magic--you know fairie dust and stuff....
2007-09-19 08:51:56
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answer #5
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answered by Sophie B 7
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