Current

Current

Current refers to the flow of electric charge carriers, usually electrons or electron-deficient atoms. The SI unit for measuring electric current is the ampere, which is defined as one coulomb of charge passing through a point in a circuit per second.

Types of Current

There are two main types of electric current:

• Direct current (DC): This type of current flows in one direction only. It is commonly used in batteries, solar cells, and other applications where a constant voltage is required.
• Alternating current (AC): This type of current changes direction periodically. It is the form of electric power delivered to homes and businesses and is used in most household appliances.

Measurement

Electric current is measured using an instrument called an ammeter. The current can be calculated using Ohm's law, which states that the current is equal to the voltage divided by the resistance (I = V/R).

Applications

Electric current is fundamental to modern technology and is used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Electric power transmission
• Electronics
• Telecommunications
• Electroplating
• Electrolysis

Safety

Handling electric current requires caution as it can be dangerous. Safety measures include:

• Using circuit breakers and fuses to prevent overloading
• Ensuring proper insulation of wires
• Following safety guidelines when working with electrical equipment

See Also

• Electricity
• Voltage
• Resistance
• Capacitance
• Inductance
• Power (physics)

Related Pages

• Electromagnetism
• Electrical engineering
• Electronics
• Power supply
• Renewable energy