Direction conventions: What is the direction of electron current flow in a conductor under an applied potential?

Introduction / Context:
There are two current flow conventions: conventional current (positive charge flow) and electron flow (actual charge carriers in metals). Many circuit texts use conventional current from positive to negative; however, electrons in metallic conductors move in the opposite direction.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Medium: a metal conductor where electrons are majority carriers.
• Applied potential creates an electric field along the conductor.
• We are asked specifically about electron current flow.

Concept / Approach:
Electrons carry negative charge (−q). Under an electric field pointing from positive to negative terminal, electrons drift toward higher potential? Actually, because they are negatively charged, the electric force is opposite the field direction: electrons drift toward the positive terminal. Therefore, electron flow is from the negative terminal to the positive terminal.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Establish polarity: electric field points from + to −.Apply charge sign: force on negative charges is opposite the field.Deduce electron drift: toward + terminal, i.e., from negative to positive.

Verification / Alternative check:
In semiconductor P–N junctions, electron diffusion/drift directions are consistent with this rule under applied bias. Conventional current arrows on schematics point opposite to electron flow in metals.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Positive to negative: that is conventional current, not electron flow.Right to left / neutral to positive: arbitrary or physically incorrect in this context.

Common Pitfalls:
Mixing conventional current with electron flow; forgetting the opposite directions due to charge sign.

Final Answer:
from negative to positive