If opposite charges are connected by a conductor, what will cause electron/current flow in the wire?

Study for the NEIEP Basic Electricity (330) Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam today!

When opposite charges are connected by a conductor, the primary factor that causes the flow of electrons, or current, in the wire is electric pressure, commonly referred to as voltage. Voltage serves as the driving force that pushes electrons through the conductor. This electric potential difference between two points creates a path for the charge carriers (electrons) to move from the region of negative charge (where there is an excess of electrons) to the region of positive charge (where there is a deficit of electrons).

This movement of electrons constitutes an electric current. Essentially, you can think of voltage as the "pressure" that motivates the electrons to flow. Insufficient voltage would not provide enough force for the electrons to overcome any resistance in the conductor, resulting in little or no current flow.

While magnetic force, resistance, and inductive reactance play roles in electrical systems, their effects come into play under different conditions. Magnetic force is related to changing electric fields or current-carrying conductors interacting with magnetic fields. Resistance opposes current flow, and while it does affect how much current can flow given a certain voltage, it does not initiate the flow itself. Inductive reactance relates to the opposition that inductors provide to changes in current due to their induct

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