What does the negative terminal of a battery do to electrons in a connected wire?

The negative terminal of a battery creates an excess of electrons, leading to a higher concentration of negative charge. In a connected wire, the electric field established by the battery causes the electrons in the wire to move. The negative terminal does not repel the electrons; rather, it attracts electrons towards the positive terminal of the battery.

When analyzing the flow of electrons from the negative terminal, the established electric field influences the movement of the electrons in the wire, directing them toward the positive terminal. This movement constitutes electric current. Because the question specifically asks about the behavior of electrons in a wire connected to the battery, understanding the roles of both terminals is crucial. The role of the negative terminal is to push electrons toward the positive terminal, facilitating the flow of current through the wire.