I know, this is a beginner question but that's because I'm a beginner.
Coming from the transformer at the pole, I've got hot L1 and L2 and Neutral N. N is re-referenced to earth ground at the home fuse box.
If the direction of current at the transformer core is clockwise, then the direction of the current in circuits L1 -> L2, L1 -> N and N -> L2 are all counter clockwise. That being the case, how is the Neutral wire (N) allowing current in both directions simultaneously?
The same could be asked of two batteries stacked on top of each other with a wire between them. Circuit battery 1 positive to battery 1 negative and Circuit battery 2 positive to battery 2 negative are both going in the same direction, but the current is flowing in and out of both circuits at the same time through the wire between the batteries.
It's as if the neutral wire (potential 0) has a greater potential for one circuit and a lesser potential for the other simultaneously.
The only way I can rectify this in my little head is if the current is flowing in opposite directions, making an L1 -> N circuit and a L2 -> N circuit. But wouldn't mean that the L1 -> L2 circuit would be two currents overlapping each other in opposite directions? Wouldn't that mean they are opposing magnetic fields and would cancel each other out. Is there some kind of electrical magic involved in the split phase circuit?
Is there a book/video course that explains how this works?
Please help!!!

 

In a 120-0(N)-120 centre tap supply as in N.A. if the current in each of the 120v circuits are equal, the N current is 0amp.
Any other imbalance is the difference between the two, IOW less than any one of the 120v sides.
Max.

 

Those opposing currents, in effect, cancel each other so you have zero current in the center-tap.

 

In a 120-0(N)-120 centre tap supply as in N.A. if the current in each of the 120v circuits are equal, the N current is 0amp.
Any other imbalance is the difference between the two, IOW less than any one of the 120v sides.
Max.

That makes total sense. Thank you.

 

Those opposing currents, in effect, cancel each other so you have zero current in the center-tap.

Thank you! That reaffirms Max's answer.