Direction

(a) The direction of an electric current is a umed to be from a positively charged electrode or terminal to a negatively charged one in the outer circuit. (See Current.) (b) The direction of magnetic and electro-magnetic lines of force is a umed to be from north to south pole of a magnet in the outer circuit. It is sometimes called the positive direction. Their general course is shown in the cuts diagrammatically. The circles indicate a compa used in tracing their course. The magnetic needle tends to place itself in the direction of or tangential to the lines of force pa ing nearest it. (c) The direction of electrostatic lines of force is a umed to be out of a positively charged and to a negatively charged surface. IMG:8956969607833025625_186F130_131.jpg: Fig. 130. DIRECTION OF LINES OF FORCE OF A PERMANENT MAGNET. Fig. 131, DIRECTION OF LINES OF FORCE OF AN ELECTRO-MAGNET. 187   STANDARD ELECTRICAL DICTIONARY.