What is electric current

We can not think of a single moment without electricity. Do you know what is electric current? Your answer may be yes or no. But if you work with electricity, you need to have a clear concept about electric current, voltage, power and energy. 

Being an electrical engineer, I have a clear concept about these. In this article, I only discuss basic knowledge of electric current as well as an easy understand to its measurement, unit and types.

What Is Electric Current?

Electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge

From the article of electric charge, we knew that charge can move from one place to another. 

How Does Electric Current Create?

When a conducting wire is connected with a voltage source (like battery), the charges are forced to move. Positive charges move one direction, whereas negative charges move the reverse direction. Traditional direction of electric current is the direction of positive charge flow. That means current direction is the opposite of electron flow.

Electric Current Calculation?

As electric current is the rate of change of charge. So current is calculated by dq/dt.

Mathematical relation between charge and current is: i = dq/dt.

Here, i  = current, dq = change of charge, dt = time interval.

Unit of current is Ampere (A), which is coulomb/second.

Now, if 50 C charge passed through a conductor in 5 second, then what will be the value of current. 

It is simple, i=dq/dt=50/5=10 A

Direct Current and Alternating Current?

Value of current may be constant or change with time, both in value of direction. According to change or not change the direction, there are two types of electric current: Direct current and alternating current.

Direct Current (DC): The current which value is constant with time is called direct current. It is represented by I. The graph of direct current vs time is shown in the figure.

Alternating Current (AC): Alternating current varies with time sinusoidally. So, alternating current also called time varying current. Time varying current represented by i.

Graph Of AC and DC current

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Current

What is electric current?

Electric current is the rate of flow of charges.

What is the SI unit of electric current?

SI unit of electric current is Ampere (A).

How many types of electric current?

There are two types of electric current. One is direct current (DC), and the other is alternating current (AC).

In the above discussion, I have tried to explain the basic of electric current in details. Hopefully, you get a clear concept of it. But if you have any questions or confusion, let me know this via comment or email. 

In next article, I will try to discuss another interesting part of electrical engineering.

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