Electricity is primarily a flow of which of the following?

Electricity primarily involves the flow of electrons. Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. In conductive materials, particularly metals, electrons are free to move, allowing them to carry an electric charge. When a voltage is applied, these electrons move through the material, creating an electric current. This flow of electrons is fundamental to all forms of electrical energy and is the basis for how electrical circuits operate.

Protons and neutrons, on the other hand, are found in the nucleus of an atom and do not move freely. Protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons are neutral. Because they are tightly bound in the nucleus, they do not contribute to the flow of electricity in the way that electrons do. Ions, which are charged atoms or molecules, can also conduct electricity, especially in solutions, but the primary flow in electrical circuits is due to the movement of electrons. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the fundamental role that electrons play in the flow of electricity.