How do electrons move in AC?

[dfhg654]

How do electrons move in Alternating current ? I mean it is usually said that electrons go back and forth like on that video. But on that one the electrons flow in a sinusoidal way and they move in only 1 direction (they don't go back and forth, at least on animation). I am confused how the actual movement of electrons in AC looks like ?

[Sensei]

How do electrons move in Alternating current ? I mean it is usually said that electrons go back and forth like on that video.

 

That's correct video.

 

Do you have oscilloscope?

You can make experiment: connect normal AC, then AC with rectifying diode attached one direction, and then reverse. And compare results on oscilloscope screen.

Rectifying diode allows electrons flow only in one direction, blocking opposite.

Edited January 27, 2015 by Sensei

[Strange]

The first animation is definitely the most accurate.

 

The second one also says "... thus moving around closer to the surface of the conductor". While this is true (the "skin effect") they don't really explain why and so their use of "thus" is a little bit dubious.

[swansont]

They imply the motion is back-and-forth for AC, but the animation doesn't match.

[studiot]

Always remember that for any wave the motion of the particles is not the same as the motion of the wave.

 

You should have covered waves at sea where the water aprticles go round and round in litle circles, whilst the wave travels along the surface.

 

In electricity, the motion of electrons similarly not connected to the motion of the alternating current wave.

I really think it is a counterproductive idea to introduce at all as so many have trouble with it.