Ampere

Definition

An ampere (A) is the unit of electric current in the International System of Units (SI). It represents the flow of one coulomb of charge per second.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. One ampere equals one coulomb of charge passing through a point in one second.
2. The symbol for ampere is 'A'.
3. Named after André-Marie Ampère, a French physicist and mathematician.
4. It is one of the seven base units in the International System of Units (SI).
5. Ampere's law describes the relationship between an electric current and the magnetic field it generates.

Review Questions

• What is the definition of an ampere?
• How many coulombs pass through a point in one second to equal one ampere?
• Who is the ampere named after?

Related terms

Coulomb:

The SI unit of electric charge, representing approximately \(6.242 \times 10^{18}\) electrons.

Ohm's Law:

$$V = IR$$ where $V$ is voltage, $I$ is current, and $R$ is resistance.

Electric Current:

The rate at which electric charge flows through a conductor, measured in amperes.