Understanding Electric Current
Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. It is one of the most fundamental concepts in electricity and electronics, essential for powering modern technology.
Introduction & History
The understanding of electric current developed in the 18th and 19th centuries through the work of scientists like Alessandro Volta, André-Marie Ampère, and Georg Ohm. The invention of the battery by Volta in 1800 enabled the first continuous electric currents.
Key Units
Ampere (A)
The SI base unit of electric current, defined as one coulomb of charge passing a point per second.
Milliampere (mA)
One thousandth of an ampere, commonly used in electronics.
Microampere (μA)
One millionth of an ampere, used in sensitive electronic measurements.
Practical Applications
Electrical circuits
Electronics
Power generation and distribution
Electrochemistry
Medical devices
Key Formula
Ohm's Law
The voltage (V) across a conductor is equal to the product of the current (I) flowing through it and the resistance (R) of the conductor.