A battery doesn't "flow" in the traditional sense like a liquid; instead, it facilitates the flow of electrons through a circuit. Here's how it works:
Electrons, which are negatively charged particles, are the key players in electrical current. According to the reference, electrons are attracted to the positive end of a battery and repelled by the negative end. This creates a potential difference, essentially an electrical pressure, between the two terminals.
The Battery's Role in Electron Flow
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Electron Source | The battery provides a source of electrons. |
| Potential Difference | It establishes a voltage (potential difference) between its terminals. |
| Circuit Completion | Electrons flow when the battery is connected in a closed circuit (i.e., hooked up to something that allows electron flow). |
| Direction | Electrons flow from the negative (-) terminal to the positive (+) terminal through the external circuit. |
Electron Movement in a Circuit
- Closed Circuit: A complete path is needed for electrons to flow. This path usually includes wires and a device that uses electricity (e.g., a light bulb).
- From Negative to Positive: When the battery is hooked up to something that lets the electrons flow through it, they flow from negative to positive. The electrons move through this external circuit from the negative terminal towards the positive terminal, powering the device along the way.
- Internal Chemistry: Inside the battery, chemical reactions replenish the electrons at the negative terminal and consume them at the positive terminal, maintaining the potential difference.
In summary, a battery provides the "push" (voltage) and a source of electrons that, when connected in a circuit, results in the flow of electrons from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. This electron flow is what we commonly refer to as electrical current, and it's what powers our devices.
