Question

When electric current is passed, electrons move from:

• A. high potential to low potential
• B. low potential to high potential
• C. in the direction of the current
• D. in the direction opposite to the current

Hint:

Always remember:
- Positive charges move from high potential to low potential.
- Negative charges (like electrons) move from low potential to high potential.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks about the direction of motion of free electrons in a conductor when an electric potential difference is applied across its ends.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
We use the principles of electrostatics and the definition of electric potential.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• By convention, the direction of electric current is defined as the direction of flow of positive charge, which is from high potential (positive terminal) to low potential (negative terminal).

• Electrons carry a negative charge (\(-1.6 \times 10^{-19}\text{ C}\)).

• In an electric field, a positive charge experiences a force in the direction of the field, while a negative charge experiences a force in the opposite direction of the field.

• This means electrons are repelled by the negative terminal (low potential) and attracted to the positive terminal (high potential).

• Thus, inside a conductor, electrons drift from a region of lower electric potential to a region of higher electric potential.

• This movement is also opposite to the conventional direction of electric current. Both (B) and (D) represent physical realities, but from the potential perspective, moving from low potential to high potential is the fundamental electrodynamic description.


Step 4: Final Answer:
Electrons move from low potential to high potential.