What must happen to the electrons in a material to create an electric current?

They have to flow in a circuit.

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To create an electric current in a material, the electrons need to move. More specifically, they need to move in a consistent direction. This movement of electrons is known as an electric current.

Here's a step-by-step explanation of what must happen to the electrons in a material to create an electric current:

1. Source of Energy: First, you need a source of energy, such as a battery or a power plant. This energy source will provide the necessary potential difference (voltage) for electrons to flow.

2. Circuit Path: You must create a complete circuit path for the electrons to flow through. A circuit typically consists of a conducting material, such as a metal wire, joined to the energy source and connected in a loop.

3. Voltage Difference: The potential difference (voltage) created by the energy source causes a force on the electrons, pushing them to move. Electrons naturally flow from an area of higher potential (positive terminal) to an area of lower potential (negative terminal) within the circuit.

4. Electron Movement: As the voltage is applied, the free electrons within the conducting material start to move. Free electrons are the loosely bound electrons in the atoms of a material that can move within the material.

5. Consistent Direction: For an electric current to be established, the electrons must move in a consistent direction. In a direct current (DC), the electrons flow in one direction continuously. In an alternating current (AC), the electrons constantly change direction due to the alternating voltage.

6. Electron Interaction: The moving electrons interact with the atoms or molecules of the material they are flowing through, colliding with them. These collisions result in heat dissipation and resistance within the material, which affects the flow of electrons.

By ensuring a complete circuit path, applying a voltage, and creating a consistent direction of electron flow, you can generate an electric current in a material. Understanding these steps helps us grasp the concept of electric currents and how they are formed.