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Define current and charge in physics

Electricity and circuits • Current, voltage, and resistance

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge in a circuit.
  • It is measured in amperes (A).
  • One ampere equates to one coulomb of charge passing through a point in a circuit per second.
  • Current is produced by the movement of charged particles, usually electrons, through a conductor such as a wire.
  • Devices such as batteries and generators create a potential difference that drives the flow of current in circuits.

Flashcards

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What happens to current if resistance increases?

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If resistance increases, current decreases for a constant voltage, according to Ohm's law.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Current is measured in amperes (A).

Charge is measured in coulombs (C).

I = Q/t defines the relationship between current, charge, and time.

Electrons carry the current in most conductors.

Voltage drives the flow of current.

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