In direct current, electrons move in what manner?

• A. In alternating directions
• B. Random directions
• C. In a single direction
• D. They do not move.

Answer: (C)

In direct current the electric field in the circuit is steady and points the same way, so electrons acquire a small net drift toward the opposite terminal. That means the overall flow of charge moves in a single direction. The electrons still jiggle due to thermal motion, but the continual push from the voltage source keeps the net movement unidirectional. This is different from alternating current, where the direction of flow reverses periodically, and from the idea that nothing moves or moves randomly. So the current in DC is a steady, one-way flow.