Difference between revisions of "Current"
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(Expand; correct definition; introduce resistance) |
(Merge duplicate page Electric current; this seems to be the larger one.) |
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| − | '''Current''' is the amount of electrical charge flowing through an object at a given moment. While moving charge is normally carried by [[electrons]], positive current is measured in the opposite direction from the flow of electrons, since electrons have a negative charge.<p></p> | + | '''Current''' is the amount of electrical charge flowing through an object, or through an electric circuit, at a given moment<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Physical Science''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000</ref>. While moving charge is normally carried by [[electrons]], positive current is measured in the opposite direction from the flow of electrons, since electrons have a negative charge.<p></p> |
Different objects have different [[Electrical_resistance|resistance]]. An object with high resistance, called an [[insulator]], will have a lower current flowing through it. An object with low resistance, called a [[conductor]], will have a higher current flowing through it. | Different objects have different [[Electrical_resistance|resistance]]. An object with high resistance, called an [[insulator]], will have a lower current flowing through it. An object with low resistance, called a [[conductor]], will have a higher current flowing through it. | ||
| − | '''Current''' is typically measured in Amperes (<tt>A</tt>), often referred to as "amps". <tt>1 A = 1 [[Coulomb]]/[[second]]</tt> | + | '''Current''' is typically measured in the [[SI]] unit of Amperes (<tt>A</tt>), often referred to as "amps". <tt>1 A = 1 [[Coulomb]]/[[second]]</tt> |
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| + | == References == | ||
| + | {{reflist}} | ||
[[category:Electricity]] | [[category:Electricity]] | ||
Revision as of 03:50, December 11, 2009
Current is the amount of electrical charge flowing through an object, or through an electric circuit, at a given moment[1]. While moving charge is normally carried by electrons, positive current is measured in the opposite direction from the flow of electrons, since electrons have a negative charge.
Different objects have different resistance. An object with high resistance, called an insulator, will have a lower current flowing through it. An object with low resistance, called a conductor, will have a higher current flowing through it.
Current is typically measured in the SI unit of Amperes (A), often referred to as "amps". 1 A = 1 Coulomb/second
References
- ↑ Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000