Why do electrons move to the surface of a conductor?

The excess electrons repel each other, so they want to get as far away from each other as possible. To do this they move to the surface of the conductor. A charge experiencing that field would move along the surface in response to that field, which is inconsistent with the conductor being in equilibrium.

What happens to the flow of electrons for an AC current?

The electrons in an AC circuit don’t really move along with the current flow. Instead, they sort of sit and wiggle back and forth. Alternating current works in much the same way. The electrons initially move in one direction, but then reverse themselves and move in the other direction.

Does current flow only on the surface of a conductor?

The electric current flows mainly at the “skin” of the conductor, between the outer surface and a level called the skin depth. It is also important at mains frequencies (50–60 Hz) in AC electrical power transmission and distribution systems.

When carrying AC power the cause of the increased concentration of currents near a conductor surface is the at the central strands?

The non-uniform distribution of electric current over the surface or skin of the conductor carrying a.c is called the skin effect. In other words, the concentration of charge is more near the surface as compared to the core of the conductor.

What factors oppose current flow in an AC circuit?

Inductive reactance and capacitive reactance, on the other hand, oppose current flow only in AC circuits, not in DC circuits. Since AC constantly changes direction and intensity, inductors and capacitors may also create an opposition to current flow in AC circuits.

How does AC current flow through a conductor?

In AC, a changing magnetic field creates a changing electric field, and a changing electric field creates a changing magnetic field. When AC flows in a wire, a changing magnetic field is created in the wire. This induces its own current in the wire in the opposite direction to the original.

How does electron flow in a conductor?

Electrons flow from the negative terminal through the conductor to the positive terminal. They are repelled by the negative terminal and attracted by the positive terminal. Electric current was discovered before physicists knew about free electrons.

How does AC charge flow?

In alternating current (AC), the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction, whereas in direct current (DC, also dc), the flow of electric charge is only in one direction. In alternating current, the charges move in one direction for a very short time, and then they reverse direction.