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MCAT Physics Question — Electric Current Flow

The flow of electric current can most aptly be described as:

 

A) the flow of positive charges from a region of high potential to a region of low potential.

B) the flow of positive charges from a region of low potential to a region of high potential.

C) the flow of negative charges (electrons) from a region of high potential to a region of low potential.

D) the flux of electric field lines due to inductive effects created by electromagnetic potential.

 

Explanation

Here, choice (A) is a good definition of electric current. Even though it’s electrons moving through the wires, current is seen as the flow of positive charges. Remember that in a circuit, current is the opposite of the flow of electrons.

B: Current flows from high potential to low potential.

C: Current is the flow of positive charges, not negative.

D: Electric flux is the flow of an electric field, not the flow of current. Note that the MCAT will not expect you to know content related to electric or magnetic flux. As a rule of thumb, if a choice discusses something you haven’t heard of before, then it’s the wrong answer.

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