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Wandering Sagebrush
Joined: 21 Jan 2005
Posts: 2782
City/Region: Northeast Oregon
State or Province: OR
C-Dory Year: 2005
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Constant Craving
Photos: Constant Craving
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 Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 9:40 pm Post subject: Holes do Flow |
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Charlie, I am an old A/C electrician, and yes that was the way we were taught semi conductors in both "A" and "B" schools. Holes flow, not electrons.
Roger, I had forgotten that Uncle Sam took a different view of current flow. We were taught that current flows from negative to positive as I recall things. Some of my other AE type friends on the site can either confirm that was the taught convention, or remind me that I am losing it in my old age. Marin, Bill U, what do you remember?
In the bigger picture, it doesn't matter a bit, but it is fun to think about. I wonder why the two philosophies........?
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Sea Wolf
Joined: 01 Nov 2003
Posts: 8650
City/Region: Redding
State or Province: CA
C-Dory Year: 1987
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Vessel Name: Sea Wolf
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| Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 10:00 pm Post subject: Re: Holes do Flow |
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| Wandering Sagebrush wrote: |
In the bigger picture, it doesn't matter a bit, but it is fun to think about. I wonder why the two philosophies........? |
I think it's because they started the convention that current flows from + to - with batteries and circuits before the understanding of the atom and particles came about and the realization that only the electrons were free to flow along conductors, etc.
In high school physics, we always taught that current flowed from - to +, because it made more sense, and simplified everything, though I did mention that the "old school" thinking was backward, and why.
No sense adding a "Mental Monkey Wrench" to your students burdens! 
Joe.  
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Sea Wolf, C-Brat #31
Lake Shasta, California
  
"Most of my money I spent on boats and women. The rest I squandered'. " -Annonymous |
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Larry H
Joined: 02 Nov 2003
Posts: 2041
City/Region: Tulalip,
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 1991
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Photos: Nancy H
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| Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 12:57 am Post subject: |
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As I recall the convention in automotive and marine electrical work is that the current flows from the positive battery post towards the negative battery post.
This is not the 'actual' electron flow, but is used to avoid confusion by mechanics and electrical workers.
In some classes I have asked the instructor what convention he is using in the class, just to be sure.
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Larry H
A C-Brat since Nov 1, 2003
Ranger Tug 27 ex 'Jacari Maru' 2017 - 2022
Puget Trawler 37 ex 'Jacari Maru' 2006-2017
1991 22' Cruiser, 'Nancy H'--1991-2006 |
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Wandering Sagebrush
Joined: 21 Jan 2005
Posts: 2782
City/Region: Northeast Oregon
State or Province: OR
C-Dory Year: 2005
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Constant Craving
Photos: Constant Craving
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| Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:55 am Post subject: |
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| Larry H wrote: | As I recall the convention in automotive and marine electrical work is that the current flows from the positive battery post towards the negative battery post.
This is not the 'actual' electron flow, but is used to avoid confusion by mechanics and electrical workers.
In some classes I have asked the instructor what convention he is using in the class, just to be sure. |
Larry, we were taught that convention for "in" the battery/power source, but in the circuit the current flowed from negative to positive (i.e. back to the positive terminal of the power source. |
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