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 an electric circuit. It represents the rate at which charges pass through a given cross-sectional area of a conductor and is measured in amperes (A).
Related terms
Conductivity: Conductivity is a measure of how well a material allows electric charges to flow through it. Materials with high conductivity have low resistance and allow for higher currents.
Ohm's Law states that there is a direct proportionality between voltage (potential difference) and current, given constant temperature and material conditions. Mathematically, it is expressed as V = IR.
Circuit: A circuit refers to a closed loop or path through which electric charges can flow. It typically consists of a power source (such as a battery), conductors, and various components like resistors and capacitors.