It seems the answer is a bit more complex than I recall from Physics 101 20 years ago. I have no interest in arguing with anyone nor do I have the background to come here and argue. So please don't think I am taking a side or trying to take issue with you. I went to Law School and realized I don't want to spend my life in contention. The most I had as an undergrad was physics 101 for non-sci majors, so much of the discussion is simply beyond me, thus no response can be given. I remember discussing AC and DC in physics class, magnetics, basic waves theory but we never discussed which direction electrons actually “flow” or “float” or move-I see why now.
Some of the back and forth amongst members is helpful but dopant atoms...what the hell are those? No wait don't answer that!
When talking over my head, I simply can't respond. I then simply wait and hope someone else comes along and responds while politely telling Albert “thank you.”
Here is where I am on the whole thing at this point:
If electrons are negatively charged I would think they would be attracted through the conductor/wire exciting anything in the “closed circuit.” Here is wikipedia's answer: “Direct current (DC) is a flow of electrical charge carriers that always takes place in the same direction. The current need not always have the same magnitude, but if it is to be defined as dc, the direction of the charge carrier flow must never reverse.” (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_current) fair enough they just didn't say what direction, guess whichever of you guys wrote that would minding your Ps and Qs.
I can't tell you if I am more confused now than when I was, can you tell me?
This is how a pupil builds on what they have learned, by confirmation and feedback. Patience is the key to an effective teacher. Mtdoc seems to have some wise things to say regarding this post in the beginners section, if the goal is to teach someone. Why does anyone (whoever is reading this) come here and engage? What is the purposed of these forums? Speech 101, who is your audience?
Anyway, the purpose of my diagram was to elicit an answer that would permit me to conclude which way those damned electrons were actually flowing on my own after trying to learn on my own-answers are exactly as I had suspected in my original post. Here we are.... I figured if a diode does not allow electrons to flow or “float” through in a certain direction I can safely conclude the “current” is going the other way and then formulate an explanation. Why? To understand a segment of circuitry on an ATX switching power supply (see other threads). Why did the EE design the circuit this way? I bought three broken PSUs just so I could learn from them. If I could fix one-GREAT I have demonstrated an understanding. If not, an inexpensive lesson in “microelectronics.” I feel compelled to say, however that electricity is very dangerous and beginners would be well advised to understand the hazards of working on anything dealing with electricity. The AC wire is moving is "alternating." [insert emoji of smiley getting electrocuted here] I will wait until my third or fourth week to start on dopant atoms.
Anyone help me fix this $15 oscilloscope DIY kit, so I can start that learning block?
These forums are a tremendous asset to the advancement of society. Where else can one go and talk to electricians, physicists, etc. and learn informally. It is really great and is why I say thanks to nearly everyone who respond to my posts. I feel a bit annoying at times as I realize asking an EE PhD student how a diode works, and what that is and then what this is gets annoying after a while. I really like the idea of a beginners section. I am trying to put together models in my head....why a resistor on a diode- but not now.
Being new and people being asses in their responses is worse than dopant atoms talk in this thread-not referring to anything in particular in this thread.
I have been trying to pay more particular attention to my terminology and am always trying to confirm the basic concepts I am working with in my head. Water flow works well for me which to get started.. That damn diode symbol seems to be a tricky question.
“Just follow the arrow” should work for now.
Thanks everyone for your responses. I hope I haven't crossed anyone in my responses as it seems like a nice community at first glance.