Current
Physics: IB Diploma Higher Level, topic 4.5.4
Electrical Current
Electrical current is the flow (movement) of electric charges. For an electric charge to flow there has to be a source of potential difference and a closed (or complete) circuit.
Current
- An electric current is the flow (movement) of electric charges.
- Electric current is measured in amperes (A).
- The flow of charge (C) = current (A) x time (s).
- The current has the same value at every point in a single closed loop.
Test yourself on Current
What are the units for current?
Which of the following are true of electric current?
What are Amperes (A) the unit for?
What is needed for a current to flow?
current = charge / timeHow would you rearrange this equation if you wanted to calculate charge?