Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Electric current refers to the flow of electric charge in a circuit. It is the movement of electrons through a conductor, such as a wire.
Related terms
Voltage: Voltage is the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. It is what pushes or drives the electric current through the circuit.
Resistance: Resistance is an opposition to the flow of electric current. It determines how much current can pass through a component or material.
Amperage: Amperage, also known as current intensity, measures how much electric charge flows per unit time. It is measured in amperes (A).