Define electric current. Explain the difference between electron current and conventional current.

Explanation

The electric current is the net amount of electric charge that passes through any crosssectional area of the conductor in unit time.
OR
Rate of flow of electric charges in particular direction.
In earlier times, when electrons were not known, it was thought that the electric current is constituted due to the flow of positive charges.
After the discovery of the electron, it was realized that the motion of electrons is responsible for the flow of electric current, which is called electron current.


As per the old convention, the direction of electric current is taken as the direction of the flow of positive charges. This flow is known as conventional current.
The direction of conventional current is still followed even after the discovery of electron. Hence, the conventional current is in the direction opposite to the direction of the flow of electrons.
As shown in figure 12.1, the flow of electron current in the conducting wire AB is taken from B to A, but the direction of the conventional current is considered from A to B.