Flow of Current

Electric current is at the heart of electricity, and it is one of the most fundamental ideas in electrical and electronic research.

Whether it’s an electric heater, a big electrical grid system, a mobile phone, a computer, a remote sensor node, or anything else, electrical current is essential to its operation.

However, because current as such cannot typically be seen, even while its effects can be seen, heard, and felt all the time.

Electric Current

Electric current is the passage of electrical charges. When electrons were first discovered, it was assumed that electric current was the flow of positive charges. However, the flow of current and the current itself are both caused by the movement of negative charges (electrons). Electrons flow from negative terminal to positive terminal (lower to higher potential), while current flows from positive terminal to negative terminal (higher potential to lower potential).

Imagine a flow of liquid inside a circuit from a higher point to a lower one, where the liquid symbolises current and the difference in the heights of the pipe’s extreme ends reflects the difference in potential that causes the current to flow. The flow of liquid will slow down if the pipe is twisted at any point; this reflects the conductor’s resistance, which lessens the current.

Formula For Electric Current

The rate of flow of electric charge (q) is used to determine the electric current. Electric charge consists of basic units such as mass, length, and more. As Coulomb is the unit of electric charge, therefore, Coulomb/sec is the unit of electric current.

The formula for electric current is given as

I=q/t

Here, 

I = electric current

t = time

The SI unit of electric current is considered as Ampere which is represented by A or Coulomb/second.

Properties of Electric Current

There are following properties of electric current which are given here.

1. Current is created because of the flow of electrons in the conductor or circuit.
2. Electric current is divided into two parts which are AC and DC. DC stands for direct current. Direct current flows in only one direction and is utilised in low-voltage applications, aeronautical, and more. AC stands for Alternating current. AC is a type of current which flows in both directions. AC is the current which comes in our homes and appliances that run on it.
3. Electric current inside a circuit is controlled by adding some resistance to the circuit.
4. The direction of flow of current is from a higher potential to a lower potential in a circuit (from positive terminal to negative terminal).

Flow of Current Through a Conductor

If an electric field is applied to an electric charge, the charge begins to move as a result of the force, and the movement of these charges forms the electric current. The atoms in a solid conductor are strongly connected to one another, and nearly all of the electrons are bound to the atoms. Some electrons, which are unattached to any atom, are able to flow freely throughout the substance. 

These electrons move in random directions when no electric field is applied. There is no favoured direction for electron velocities at any particular time.

When current passes through a conductor, like a copper wire, all of the electrons which were flowing in various directions randomly, are get together and begin to move in the same direction. The electrons then transfer their electromagnetic force through wire immediately.

The flow of electric current through a metallic conductor is only due to the electrons.

Electric Conductor

Electrical conductors are bodies in which the application of an electric field causes the creation of electric current due to the movement of electrons. The electrons are free to move inside the conductor, and an electric field can influence their random mobility. 

Metals are the most common electrical conductors because their electrons are kept loosely in the outermost orbit and can travel about freely. 

Conclusion

Electric current is the passage of electrical charges.

The rate of flow of electric charge (q) can be used to represent electric current.

Coulomb/sec is the unit of electric current.

The formula for electric current is given as

I=q/t

The SI unit of electric current is considered as Ampere which is denoted by A.

Electric current inside a circuit is controlled by adding some resistance to the circuit.

The direction of flow of current is from a higher potential to a lower potential in a circuit (from positive terminal to negative terminal).

Electrical conductors are bodies in which the application of an electric field causes the creation of electric current due to the movement of electrons.