Which term describes the current that flows from the negative side of a battery to the positive side?

Study for the PLTW Principles of Engineering Exam. Dive into flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations to ace your exam. Prepare confidently!

The correct term that describes the current flowing from the negative side of a battery to the positive side is "electron flow." This terminology refers specifically to the movement of electrons, which carry a negative charge, from the negative terminal to the positive terminal within the battery circuit.

In electrical theory, it's important to understand that electrons, due to their negative charge, flow in the opposite direction to the conventional current. Conventional current is defined as the flow of positive charge, which is considered to move from the positive side to the negative side of the battery. Therefore, understanding the distinction between electron flow and conventional current is crucial in electrical engineering and physics.

Direct current (DC) describes the type of current that flows in one direction, such as that provided by a battery, but does not specifically address the direction of charge carriers (electrons). Alternating current (AC), on the other hand, is characterized by the periodic reversal of direction of the current flow and is not applicable in this context.

By understanding these definitions, one can better grasp how electrical circuits operate and the roles that different types of current play in various engineering applications.

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