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
Current refers to the flow of electric charge in a circuit. It is measured in amperes (A) and represents the rate at which charges move through a conductor.
Voltage is the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. It determines how much energy each charge carries and affects the flow of current.
Resistance is the opposition to the flow of current in a circuit. It can be compared to obstacles or narrow sections in a river that slow down or restrict the water flow.
Ohm's Law: Ohm's Law states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage across it and inversely proportional to its resistance. It can be represented by the equation I = V/R, where I is current, V is voltage, and R is resistance.