What is conventional current based on in electrical engineering?

Conventional current is defined based on the historical perspective of current flow in electrical circuits, which assumes that current moves from a positive terminal to a negative terminal. This convention dates back to the early studies of electricity when the true nature of electron flow was not yet understood. In this context, it was decided that current would be considered as flowing from positive to negative, which aligns with the direction that positive charge carriers would move.

In practical terms, this definition is crucial because it establishes a standard for analyzing and designing circuits, regardless of the actual movement of electrons, which flow in the opposite direction (from negative to positive) once the modern understanding of electricity was established. This convention has persisted and allows engineers and students in the field to communicate clearly and consistently about how electrical systems operate.

Understanding that conventional current flows from positive to negative helps clarify how components in a circuit interact and how voltage and current are defined, facilitating the use of various electrical equations and principles relevant in engineering applications.