What type of current flow is described as flowing from positive to negative?

The type of current flow described as flowing from positive to negative is referred to as conventional current. This concept originates from the historical understanding of electricity, where current was believed to flow from a higher potential (positive) to a lower potential (negative). This model was established before the actual nature of electrons was understood.

Conventional current is used in most electrical engineering contexts and is critical for circuit analysis, as it simplifies calculations and communication among engineers. Even though the actual movement of charge carriers, specifically electrons, occurs from negative to positive (because electrons carry a negative charge), conventional current remains a useful model.

Understanding this distinction is important in electrical theory and applications, particularly when interpreting circuit diagrams and analyzing circuit behavior. The other terms, such as direct and alternating current, refer to the nature of the current flow but do not specifically address the direction of flow in relation to positive and negative terminals.