In an electric circuit, electrons move through a conductor (like copper wire) due to the presence of an electric field created by a voltage source (like a battery or power supply).

Metals have free electrons (called conduction electrons) that are not tightly bound to atoms, so they can move easily.

When a voltage is applied, it creates an electric field inside the wire.

This field causes the free electrons to drift slowly toward the positive terminal of the power source.

Although the drift speed is slow, the electric signal travels fast — nearly the speed of light — because all electrons start moving at once across the wire.

The actual flow of electrons is from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. But for calculations, we use conventional current, which flows from positive to negative.

As electrons move, they may collide with atoms in the wire, causing resistance and producing heat (like in electric heaters or light bulbs).

In alternating current (AC), electrons don't travel in one direction but instead vibrate back and forth, changing direction many times per second (50 or 60 Hz depending on the country).