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The Flow of Electric Current
The Flow of Electric Current
Electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge past a point or region. An electric current is said to exist when there is a net flow of electric charge through a region. In electric circuits, this charge is often carried by moving electrons in a wire.
Introduction & History
The understanding of electric current was developed by scientists like André-Marie Ampère, after whom the SI unit of current is named. His work laid the foundation for electromagnetism, which was later unified by James Clerk Maxwell.
Key Units
Ampere (A)
The SI base unit of electric current.
Milliampere (mA)
One-thousandth of an ampere, common in small electronic devices.
Kiloampere (kA)
Equal to 1,000 amperes, used in heavy industrial applications.
Practical Applications
Household Wiring
Electronic Components
Industrial Power Systems
Electric Vehicles