In a closed circuit, electrons flow opposite to the conventional current direction. Which option best completes this statement?

In a closed circuit, electrons flow opposite to the conventional current direction. Which option best completes this statement?

• A. Opposite the indicated circuit direction
• B. In the same direction
• C. Perpendicular
• D. They stop moving

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is the relationship between conventional current and electron flow. Conventional current is defined as the direction positive charges would move, while electrons carry negative charge and move in the opposite direction. In a closed circuit, this means electrons flow opposite to the indicated current direction shown in diagrams. The best completion is that electrons flow opposite the indicated circuit direction. The other ideas don’t fit: electrons don’t move in the same direction as the current, they don’t necessarily move perpendicular to the path, and in a functioning circuit they don’t simply stop moving—the current is a steady flow.

The concept being tested is the relationship between conventional current and electron flow. Conventional current is defined as the direction positive charges would move, while electrons carry negative charge and move in the opposite direction. In a closed circuit, this means electrons flow opposite to the indicated current direction shown in diagrams.

The best completion is that electrons flow opposite the indicated circuit direction. The other ideas don’t fit: electrons don’t move in the same direction as the current, they don’t necessarily move perpendicular to the path, and in a functioning circuit they don’t simply stop moving—the current is a steady flow.