Electrical current is best described as the flow of what particles?

Electrical current is best described as the flow of electrons. In conductive materials, such as metals, electrons are the primary charge carriers that move through the material when a voltage is applied. This movement of electrons creates an electric current, which can be harnessed to power devices and systems.

Protons, while they have a positive charge, are generally fixed within the atomic nucleus and do not move freely through conductors. Neutrons, which are neutral particles found in the nucleus, do not contribute to the flow of electrical current. Ions can carry charge in certain situations, such as in electrolytic solutions, but in the context of conventional electrical current in conductive wires, the primary flow is due to electrons. Thus, electrons are recognized as the fundamental particles responsible for electric current in most practical applications.