Which type of current flow is referenced in DC Theory textbooks?

The type of current flow referenced in DC Theory textbooks is conventional current flow. This concept is fundamental in electrical theory and establishes a standard definition which describes the flow of positive charge. Conventional current flow assumes that electricity moves from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of a power source, which is historical and has stuck around even though we now know that electrons, which have a negative charge, are what actually flow.

In contrast, electron current flow refers to the actual movement of electrons, which is from the negative terminal to the positive terminal; this is an important concept for understanding physical principles in electronics but is not typically the primary focus of DC Theory textbooks. Alternating current flow pertains to systems where the direction of current alternates, which is not applicable in the context of direct current. Static current flow refers to a situation where there is no movement of charge carriers, which does not relate to current in operation.

Understanding conventional current flow is crucial for electrical theory as it provides a foundational framework for both analyzing circuits and understanding the behavior of electrical components in a DC system.