Electrons flow from negative to positive:
* In a circuit: Electrons are negatively charged, so they are attracted to the positive terminal of a battery or power supply. They flow *from the negative terminal, through the circuit, to the positive terminal.* This is the fundamental principle of electrical current.
Conventional Current is Opposite:
* Historically: The flow of electricity was first understood in terms of positive charges. This was a mistake, but the convention stuck. So, conventional current is defined as flowing *from the positive terminal to the negative terminal*.
The Importance of Both:
* Real world: Most circuits are analyzed using conventional current. This is because most electronic components are designed and labeled based on this convention.
* Microscopic world: Electrons are the actual charge carriers, and they move from negative to positive.
So, the short answer is: Electrons flow from negative to positive in a circuit, but conventionally we think of current flowing from positive to negative.
