1. If the metal wire is not connected to any cell or a battery then the electrons present in it move randomly in all the directions between the atoms of the metal wire.
2. When a source of electricity like a cell or a battery is connected across the ends of the metal wire, then an electric force acts on the free electrons present in the wire.
3. Since electrons are negatively charged they start moving from the negative end to the positive end of the cell or battery through a wire.
4. This flow of electrons constitutes the electric current in the wire. The electrons in the conductor move with a certain average drift speed.
5. However direction of the conventional current is assumed to be from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of the cell.
2. When a source of electricity like a cell or a battery is connected across the ends of the metal wire, then an electric force acts on the free electrons present in the wire.
3. Since electrons are negatively charged they start moving from the negative end to the positive end of the cell or battery through a wire.
4. This flow of electrons constitutes the electric current in the wire. The electrons in the conductor move with a certain average drift speed.
5. However direction of the conventional current is assumed to be from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of the cell.