Why Don't Electrons Leave Metal When Connected to Positive Terminal?

In summary, the conversation discusses the behavior of free electrons in a metal and their movement towards the positive terminal of a battery. It is noted that while the copper wire can act as a source of electricity due to its abundance of free electrons, there is no current flow when the wire is only connected to the positive terminal. The question arises as to what stops the electrons from leaving the metal and going to the positive terminal, and the possibility of the electrons flowing through the battery without a wire is also mentioned.
  • #1
Peter4444
1
0
I can't understand this and i would be appreciate if somebody help me.

If in the metal we have a very big number of free electrons they should go to the positive therminal of the batery even if the other end of the wire is not conected to the negative therminal.What stops them.The copper wire have so much free electrons so it can act as a source of electricity and we all know that batery is the source of direct current.



According to the physics there is no current flow when you conect a wire just to the positive therminal.Now,the electrons are negative and they are moving and we have positive ions in the posivitive therminal.Why don't the electrons leave the metal.What stops them to go to the positive therminal.
 
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  • #2


I believe that it is possible for free electrons to flow through the battery itself without the need for a wire, but it wouldn't be desirable.
 

Related to Why Don't Electrons Leave Metal When Connected to Positive Terminal?

1. Why don't electrons leave metal when connected to positive terminal?

Electrons are negatively charged particles that are bound to the nucleus of an atom. When a metal is connected to a positive terminal, the electrons in the metal are attracted to the positive charge. However, the electrons are also bound to the metal atoms by strong forces, so they are not able to leave the metal easily.

2. What is the role of the metal's crystal lattice in preventing electrons from leaving?

The crystal lattice of a metal is a regular arrangement of metal atoms, with each atom sharing its electrons with neighboring atoms. This creates a strong bond between the atoms, making it difficult for electrons to leave the metal's surface when connected to a positive terminal.

3. How does the work function of a metal affect the movement of electrons?

The work function of a metal is the amount of energy required for an electron to overcome the attractive forces of the metal and leave its surface. If the work function is high, it will be more difficult for electrons to leave the metal when connected to a positive terminal.

4. Can an external force cause electrons to leave the metal?

In some cases, an external force such as high temperature or intense light can provide enough energy for electrons to overcome the attractive forces of the metal and leave its surface. This is known as the photoelectric effect and is often used in devices such as solar panels.

5. Why do electrons leave the metal when connected to a negative terminal?

When a metal is connected to a negative terminal, the electrons in the metal are repelled by the negative charge and are able to overcome the attractive forces of the metal. This allows the electrons to flow through the metal and create an electric current.

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