Electric current

Definition

Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. It is measured in amperes (A) and represented by the symbol 'I'.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Electric current flows from higher potential to lower potential.
2. The unit of electric current is the ampere (A), which is equivalent to one coulomb per second ($1\ \text{A} = 1\ \text{C/s}$).
3. There are two types of electric current: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC).
4. Ohm's Law relates electric current (I) to voltage (V) and resistance (R) with the formula $V = IR$.
5. In a circuit, conventional current flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal.

Review Questions

• What is the unit of electric current, and how is it defined?
• How does Ohm's Law relate electric current, voltage, and resistance?
• What are the two types of electric current?

Related terms

Voltage:

Voltage, or electric potential difference, is the force that pushes electric charges through a conductor. It is measured in volts (V).

Resistance:

Resistance is a measure of how much an object opposes the flow of electric current. It is measured in ohms ($\Omega$).

Ohm's Law:

Ohm's Law states that the voltage across a conductor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it, given by $V = IR$.