Current vs. Electron FlowCurrent Versus Electron Flow: A Historical Event Leading to Present-Day ConfusionWhen electricity was first discovered, it wasn't possible to see or measure the movement of electrons. What was seen were the effects of electron movement. So a "guess" was made about the direction of flow of presumed positive charge. Thus, current flow was defined as moving from positive to negative. When current was first run through magnetic fields, it was observed that negative charge was moving in the opposite direction. In summary, current flows from the positive to the negative terminal, but electrons actually flow from the negative to the positive terminal. In other words, current and electrons flow in opposite directions. Think of positive charge moving in one direction (current flow) as equivalent
to negative charge moving in the opposite direction (electron flow). In the
upcoming computer activities, you'll see the direction of current. You'll have an opportunity to work with the current and electron flow by trying the computer and hands-on activities on this web site! | 
