What is the flow of conventional current in a circuit?

The flow of conventional current in a circuit is defined as moving from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of a power source. This definition is based on historical conventions established before the discovery of the electron and its role in conductivity. When conventional current theory was developed, scientists assumed that current was the flow of positive charge. Therefore, regardless of the actual movement of electrons—which flow from negative to positive—the convention persists that current flows in the opposite direction: from positive to negative.

Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing electrical circuits, as it aligns with how we typically depict the flow of current in circuit diagrams and calculations, even if the physical movement of charge carriers (electrons) occurs in the opposite direction. The terms and representations are consistent within the framework of electrical engineering and electronics education, making it vital for students to grasp the conventional current flow to work effectively with circuits.