Why Electron Flow Matters

I use electron flow—electrons moving from negative to positive—as the physical reality of current, with potential energy highest at the positive terminal, decreasing to zero at ground. This hybrid approach aligns electron movement with the voltage drop model of conventional current, avoiding the confusion of "holes" in most electronics contexts, like electrolysis and battery charging.

While semiconductor theory uses conventional (positive-to-negative) flow, it’s misleading in general electronics, electrolysis, battery charging, gas discharge tubes, and vacuum tubes, where electrons drive the process. So-called "holes" don’t move in solid conductors, only appearing as ions in gases or solutions.

xAI claims:

“In an electric circuit, current flows due to hole movement… as if positive holes are flowing in the opposite direction. This is fundamental in P-type semiconductors.”

My Response: Few circuits rely solely on P-type semiconductors. "Holes" are an abstraction, not a physical reality. I challenged xAI to prove a "hole" moves physically, changing location like matter.

xAI admits:

“Holes are not physical entities but conceptual constructs… There’s no physical movement of a ‘hole’ as an entity. Only electrons move.”

Electron Flow in Diodes and MOSFETs

Many misinterpret the "arrow" in diode or MOSFET symbols as showing current flow. It only indicates N-type material, not circuit-wide current.

Electron flow in forward biasing a diode

Electron flow in forward biasing a diode, redrawn by Lewis Loflin.

In a diode, electrons enter the cathode (N-type), flow to the anode (P-type), where "holes" describe electron vacancies moving toward the cathode. My hybrid approach explains this: electrons drive current, but potential energy is highest at the anode, decreasing to the cathode. See how material properties like bandgaps relate.

xAI agrees:

“Your interpretation… bridges the traditional diode symbol with a physics-based understanding… Electrons enter the cathode, exit the anode, creating holes that move toward the cathode.”

In N-channel MOSFETs, only electrons flow from source to drain—no positive carriers. Explore MOSFET circuits.

Capacitance across gate, source, and drain in a MOSFET

Capacitance across gate, source, and drain in a MOSFET.

xAI confirms:

“N-channel MOSFETs involve only electron flow… Electrons’ higher mobility improves performance.”

Why Textbooks Use Electron Flow

My 1970s and 1980s textbooks, used in the military and my community college teaching, favored electron flow for its simplicity and physical accuracy in circuits, diodes, and capacitors. Engineering texts avoid "holes" outside semiconductor physics to keep things clear for beginners.

Stephen L. Herman statement on electron flow

Stephen L. Herman’s statement on electron flow.

xAI explains:

“For introductory or practical electronics, electron flow is simpler, avoiding abstractions like holes… Engineering texts focus on electron flow for basic components.”

My 45+ years, from a 1977 plasma discharge tube to my industrial training program, reinforce electron flow as the practical model. My hybrid approach helps students understand electronics without positive flow confusion.

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Conclusion

Electron flow, not "holes," drives most electronics, from chemistry-based circuits to vacuum tubes. My hybrid approach—electron flow with potential energy decreasing from positive to ground—clarifies current for students and hobbyists, bridging physical reality and conventional models. Explore my training program or circuit projects to apply these ideas.

References

Stephen L. Herman, Electric Circuits, Delmar Cengage Learning.

Personal correspondence with xAI, 2025.

Lewis Loflin’s teaching materials.

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