What effect does the positive terminal of a battery have on electrons from a connected 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!

The positive terminal of a battery attracts electrons from a connected wire. In a typical battery setup, the positive terminal has a higher electric potential compared to the negative terminal. Due to the behavior of electric charges, electrons, which carry a negative charge, are naturally attracted to positively charged regions.

When a wire is connected to the battery, electrons in that wire are influenced by the electric field established by the battery's terminals. As a result, the electrons move toward the positive terminal, creating a flow of electric current in the wire. This movement is essential for the operation of electrical devices connected to the circuit, as it allows for the transfer of energy from the battery to whatever load is part of the circuit.

The other options do not accurately describe the interaction between the battery and the electrons. For instance, repulsion describes a situation where similar charges push against each other, which does not apply here since like charges repel and opposite charges attract. Neutralization implies a cancellation of charge, which is not relevant in this context, as the battery terminals maintain their respective potentials. Lastly, creating a surplus of electrons suggests an accumulation rather than the movement of electrons toward the positive terminal.

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