FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Fundamentals of Electricity and ElectronicsEasy
A technician explains conventional current flow theory to an apprentice. According to this theory, current flows through the external part of a circuit in which direction?
- AFrom the neutral point outward to both terminals equally
- BFrom the positive terminal to the negative terminal
- CFrom the negative terminal to the positive terminal
- DIt flows only inside the battery, never through the external circuit
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. From the positive terminal to the negative terminal
Conventional current theory assumes current flows from the positive terminal, through the external circuit, to the negative terminal, opposite to actual electron flow. This is the convention used on most schematics and in most aviation maintenance training materials.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Current does not split evenly from a neutral point in a simple circuit.
- C. This describes electron flow theory, not conventional current flow.
- D. Current flows through both the source and the external circuit to form a complete loop.
Conventional Current Flow
A theoretical convention stating current flows from the positive terminal through the external circuit to the negative terminal, opposite to actual electron movement.
- Used on most schematic diagrams
- Opposite direction of electron flow theory
- Electron flow is negative to positive externally
Memory trick: Conventional current is 'positive thinking' — it flows from + to -.