In terms of electron flow, which direction does current move?

Current is defined in terms of the flow of positive charge. However, in conventional terms, the flow is thought to move from the positive terminal to the negative terminal. This is somewhat misleading, as the actual charge carriers in metallic conductors are electrons, which are negatively charged.

Therefore, the accurate description of current flow in a circuit is that it moves from the negative terminal (where there is an excess of electrons) to the positive terminal (where there is a deficiency of electrons). This understanding aligns with the actual mechanics of electron flow in a circuit.

The other choices do not accurately represent the direction of current flow in an electrical circuit:

• The idea of current moving from ground to source does not capture the essence of electron flow within the circuit.

• The option stating vertical movement does not pertain to electrical flow, as current can travel in multiple directions based on the circuit layout, and is not limited to a vertical orientation. Thus, the understanding of current as moving from negative to positive is crucial for interpreting how electricity flows in practical applications.