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Current

maker

Current is the rate of flow of electric charge past a point in a circuit, expressed in amperes (A).

expanded

Current defines the flow of electric charge within a circuit, quantifying the rate at which charge carriers, typically electrons, move through a conductor. Practical applications include determining power consumption in electrical devices, as current, along with voltage, directly influences power output (P = V × I), making the accurate calculation of current essential in both electrical design and safety considerations.

examples

A typical 60 W incandescent light bulb operates with a current of approximately 0.5 A when connected to a 120 V AC supply.

Common household lighting applications where understanding current helps in determining overall energy consumption and potential load balancing.

An iPhone 14 charger delivers a current of up to 3 A at 20 V using USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) protocol for fast charging.

Personal electronics charging, specifically in devices supporting fast charge technology, highlighting the role of current in reducing charge time.

related terms

Direct Current (DC)
Direct Current (DC) is the unidirectional flow of electric charge.
Voltage
Voltage is the electric potential difference between two points within an electric field, expressed in volts (V).
Alternating Current (AC)
Alternating Current (AC) is an electric current which periodically reverses direction.
Ground
Ground refers to a reference point in an electrical circuit from which voltages are measured.
Inductance
Inductance is the property of an electrical conductor by which a change in current generates an electromotive force (EMF) in the conductor itself and in any nearby conductors due to electromagnetic induction.