Actually, the "conventional theory" (and the mathematics) say that "current"
(not electrons) flows from positive to negative (was that why positive and
negative were chosen?). Many years later, when electrons were discovered,
it was found that they move from negative to positive. While it does not
effect the mathematics, this knowledge makes a few things like the mechanics
of cathode ray tubes a little easier to understand. Holes are another
story.
Gerry
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ben Palmer [SMTP:palsy@bellatlantic.net]
> Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 1999 1:56 AM
> To: DGreimel@aol.com
> Cc: morgans@autox.team.net
> Subject: Re: Cleaning cream switches and Indicator switch
>
> Dear Autoux:
>
> You explicated correctly:::
> "5. There are two theories as to how electricity works, Conventional
> theory says that electrons travel from pos to neg and was favored by my
> physics professor. Electron theory says that electrons travel from neg
> to pos and is favored by those in electronics. It plays hell with
> people who take physics and electronics at the same time but neither
> theory can be disproven and the simple fact is that it doesn`t make a
> bit of difference which one you believe as long as you are consistent."
>
> In 1965 I had an interview with John McCarthy at Princeton for Computer
> Science, accompanied by my Indian priya. PU was oriented towards
> electrical engineering. I was a mathematician and our computer research
> was oriented towards physics. He asked me to explain transistors and
> semiconductors. I told him I didn't believe in electricity, but
> mechanical gears or hydraulics. If they couldn't agree after 200 years
> which was + or - or which direction the electrons (or holes) travelled,
> I said I didn't have a lot of confidence in electricity.
> He was not amused!
>
> Ben Palmer
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