How electric current passes

passage of electric current

 

Electric current results from the movement of free electrons present in a conductive material, as these electrons are in a mode of random movement and electrical rest in normal conditions, but when this material is connected with an electric voltage source, the electrons will be charged to move in the same direction and transfer electrical energy between them, Thus, the electric current is formed, and the electric current is transmitted in this material, such as a wire, depending on the electrons transfer of energy between them, although the electric current travels in the wire at the speed of light, but the movement of electrons is relatively slow; This is because the electrons are close to each other and do not need to travel distances to exchange energy between them.[1]

 

Direct and alternating current

The electric current is divided into two basic types: continuous electric current, and alternating or alternating current, and the continuous current is that current resulting from the flow of electrons in the circuit or electrical systems when connected with batteries, while the alternating electric current is that current used in homes for lighting and operating devices as well as Electric sockets are widespread in the home, and it is worth noting that the direct current generated from renewable energy sources can be converted into alternating current and used in homes.[2]

 

Types of electric current

Electric currents vary according to the materials through which they are transmitted. The electric current passing through liquid or gaseous materials results from the flow of positive ions in a certain direction in conjunction with the flow of negative ions in the opposite direction. To determine the general nature of the current in this case, the direction of movement of positive ions is seen and considered It is the direction of the current, and the amount of negative ions is added to the sum of the positive ions to find the resultant of the current, and with regard to the passage of current in semi-conducting materials, its movement is a result of the movement of gaps in the known direction and the movement of electrons in the opposite direction, and other types of electric currents are added to this, such as Bundles of charged protons, pions, and muons found in particle accelerators.[3]