15. How does the direction of flow of an electric
a circuit depend on the potential/potential differen
nt?
Answers
Answer:
We have to explain the importance of potential difference in determining the direction of current flow through a conductor.
Explanation:
Potential difference is actually the work done to transport a unit positive charge from one point to another along a conductor.
Potential difference refers to an important fact , that one point in the circuit is at a higher Potential as compared to another point.
Electrons flow in a direction from lower Potential to higher potential.
On the other hand, current flows in the opposite direction, from a direction from higher Potential to lower Potential.
Refer to the attached photo to understand better. "i" gives the direction of the current. Electrons flow in the opposite direction.
Answer:
We need to explain the importance of potential/potential difference in flow of electric current in a Circuit.
So,
At first let's know what Potential is ?
- Potential :- At any point in electric field, it is the work done by an external agent against electric forces to carry a unit test charge (or unit positive charge) from Infinity to that point without changing it's Kinetic Energy.
- Potential Difference :- It's simply the difference in electric potential at two points.
Now,
In a circuit,
We know that,
- It's the cell or battery which is the source of electric potential.
- It has a higher (positive) terminal and a lower (negative) terminal.
- The electrons flows from negative to positive terminal.
- And The current flows in direction opposite to that of flow of electrons, i.e., from positive to negative terminal.
Note:- Refer to the attachment for diagram related to this.
Where,
- V = Potential Difference
- I = Current
- R = Resistance
