Generating electric current
Q. Which of the following ways/properties are responsible for producing electric current?
1) Movement of Charges
2) Movement of electrons
3) Flow of ions- Published on 07 Mar 16a. 1, 2
b. 1, 3
c. 2
d. All of the above
ANSWER: All of the above
- An electric current is the flow of electric charge. But electric charge is not an entity; it is a property that must be 'carried' by a charge carrier.
- An electron current, the flow of electrons, contributes to an electric current since the electron carries negative electric charge. However, an electric current is not necessarily an electron current.
- The flow of ions (either positively or negatively charged) also contributes to an electric current in, for example, the electrolyte of an electrochemical cell.
- In a metal conductor, it is the electrons that flow. In a semiconductor, it is electrons and electron ‘holes’. And in an electrolyte, it is ions (both charges possible).
