What factors determine the direction of electric current?

The direction of electric current is determined by the movement of positive charges, from the positive to the negative terminal.

Electric current is the flow of electric charge. In a circuit, this charge is carried by moving electrons from one place to another. However, the direction of electric current is conventionally defined as the direction in which positive charges move. This is known as conventional current and it flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of a power source such as a battery.

The direction of electric current is also influenced by the type of current. There are two types of electric current: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). In a DC circuit, the current always flows in one direction, from the positive to the negative terminal. This is the type of current supplied by batteries. On the other hand, in an AC circuit, the direction of the current changes periodically. This is the type of current supplied by the mains electricity in your home.

The direction of current can also be influenced by the arrangement of components in a circuit. In a series circuit, the current has only one path to follow, so it flows in the same direction throughout the circuit. In a parallel circuit, the current splits into different paths, so it can flow in different directions in different parts of the circuit.

In summary, the direction of electric current is determined by the movement of positive charges, the type of current (DC or AC), and the arrangement of components in a circuit. Understanding these factors is crucial for understanding how electric circuits work.