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Physics vocabulary · Electricity and Magnetism

Electric current

Meaning in physics, with examples

nounCore term

In physics, electric current means: The rate at which electric charge flows past a point in a circuit. It is measured in amperes (A), and one ampere is one coulomb of charge per second.

In Turkish: elektrik akımı, akım

How it is used

Usually just 'current', symbol I. Current flows through a component and is measured with an ammeter connected in series. Conventional current goes from positive to negative, the opposite way to electron flow. Values are in amps (A) or milliamps (mA).

Example sentences

  1. The ammeter shows an electric current of 0.4 A through the lamp.

  2. In a series circuit, the electric current is the same at every point.

Common collocations

  • conventional current
  • alternating current (AC)
  • direct current (DC)
  • current flows
  • measure the current
  • electric chargeA basic property of matter that makes particles feel electric forces. Charge can be positive or negative; like charges repel and unlike charges attract. It is measured in coulombs (C).
  • voltageThe energy transferred to or by each coulomb of charge between two points in a circuit, also called potential difference. It is measured in volts (V).
  • resistanceHow strongly a component or material opposes the flow of electric current. It equals voltage divided by current and is measured in ohms (Ω).
  • Ohm's lawThe rule that the current through a metal conductor is directly proportional to the voltage across it, as long as its temperature stays the same. It is usually written V = IR.
  • circuitA closed path through which electric current can flow, made of a power source, wires and components such as lamps, resistors and switches.

More terms: Electricity and Magnetism

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