An electrical current is produced when there is a flow of electric charges through a conductor. Electric current is the movement of electrons, which are negatively charged particles, in a particular direction. The flow of electrons occurs due to the presence of an electric potential difference, also known as voltage, between two points in a circuit.
Here's a basic explanation of how an electrical current is produced:
Power Source: An electrical circuit typically requires a power source, such as a battery or a generator. The power source provides the necessary potential difference (voltage) that drives the flow of electrons.
Conductor: A conductor is a material that allows the movement of electrons with relatively little resistance. Metals, such as copper and aluminum, are commonly used as conductors in most electrical circuits.
Closed Circuit: To create a continuous flow of electric charges, the circuit needs to be closed, forming a complete path for the electrons to travel from the negative terminal of the power source to the positive terminal.
Voltage Difference: When the circuit is closed, there is a potential difference between the positive and negative terminals of the power source. Electrons naturally move from areas of higher negative charge (negative terminal) to areas of lower negative charge (positive terminal).
Electron Flow: Due to the voltage difference, electrons are pushed away from the negative terminal of the power source and enter the conductor. As these electrons move through the conductor, they collide with the atoms of the material, transferring energy and producing heat.
Electric Current: The continuous flow of electrons through the conductor in a particular direction constitutes an electric current. The current is measured in amperes (A), and it indicates the rate at which electric charges pass through a specific point in the circuit.
It's essential to note that the direction of current flow is conventionally defined from the positive terminal of the power source to the negative terminal, even though the actual movement of electrons is in the opposite direction (from negative to positive). This convention was established before the true nature of electrons and electrical charge was fully understood.
In summary, an electrical current is produced by the flow of electrons through a conductor when there is a voltage difference between two points in a closed electrical circuit. The power source provides the necessary energy to move electrons from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, resulting in the flow of electric charges known as an electric current.