What is the Difference Between Conventional Current and Electric Current?

The main difference between conventional current and electric current lies in the direction of flow of charges. In conventional current, it flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal, while in electric current, it flows from the negative terminal to the positive terminal.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Conventional Current: This is the flow of positive charges or holes through a conductive medium. It is defined as the charge per unit time transported in a certain direction. Conventional current behaves as if positive charge carriers cause the current flow.
• Electric Current: Also known as electron current, this is the rate of flow of electric charge and is carried by electrons. Electrons flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal.

While both conventional and electric currents are used in electrical engineering, conventional current is the standard that most of the world follows. It is essential to understand the difference between these two types of currents when analyzing electrical circuits and calculating the direction of flow in various components.

Comparative Table: Conventional Current vs Electric Current

The main difference between conventional current and electric current lies in the direction of flow and the type of charge carriers involved. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

Conventional current is based on the historical convention introduced by Benjamin Franklin, where he assumed that positive charge carriers flow from positive to negative terminals. In reality, electrons are the charge carriers in metals, and they flow from negative to positive terminals. Electric current represents the actual flow of electrons in a circuit. While most electrical circuit analyses use conventional current, electric current can be used in specific situations, such as semiconductor explanations or when positive charges are flowing.