If there are +3 C of charges moving in the +x direction and -5 C of charges moving in the -x direction, what is the direction of the electric current and why?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The problem presents two groups of moving charges: +3 C moving in the +x direction and -5 C moving in the -x direction. To determine the current direction, we recall that electric current is defined as the direction of positive charge flow. When negative charges move, the conventional current is in the opposite direction to their motion.

Option a: 'In the +x direction because direction of the current can only move in the same direction as the flow of positive charges and negative charges does not cause the current.' This statement incorrectly asserts that negative charges cannot contribute to current, which is false. Negative charges moving in the -x direction would create a current in the +x direction. So this option is incorrect.

Option b: 'In the +x direction because the negative charges (-5 C) have greater magnitude than the positive charges (+3 C) and the current is opposite to the direction of the flow of negative charges.' While it is true that the larger amount of negative charge might influence net effects, the reasoning here misstates how current direction is determined. Current direction is tied to the net flow of positive charges; negative charges moving in -x cause a current in +x, but this explanation focuses on magnitudes in a confusing way. This option is not the best justification and is incorrect as stated.

Option c: 'In the -x direction because the total charge is -5+3 = -2 C and the current is opposite to the direction of the flow of negative charges.' This mixes up the idea of net charge with current direction. Current direction does not depend on summing charges to a net charge in this manner; it depends on the direction of positive charge flow or, equivalently, the opposite of the direction of negative charge flow. Since negative charges are moving in -x, the current is in +x, not -x. This option is incorrect.

Option d: 'In the +x direction because direction of the current is the same as the flow of positive charges and opposite direction as the flow of negative charges' This correctly applies the convention: current follows the direction of positive charge flow, and it is opposite to the flow of negative charges. Since +3 C moves in +x, the current is in +x, even though -5 C moves in -x. This is the accurate reasoning and matches the standard definition. This option is correct.

UCIC 202503 PHYS101 Quiz 10

If there are +3 C of charges moving in the +x direction and -5 C of charges moving in the -x direction, what is the direction of the electric current and why?

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