Current Electricity

Introduction 

Over the past centuries, several discoveries have been made to simplify human lives; one such invention which changed the way people live was current electricity that brought storms into everyone’s lives. The man behind this incredible invention is Benjamin Franklin. 

In this article, we will explain one of the most crucial chapters of physics, Current Electricity, and topics related to it. 

What is Current Electricity?

Introduced by Benjamin Franklin, current electricity is one discovery on which humans are highly dependent on meeting everyday requirements. Current electricity can be defined as the total time electrons flow from one circuit point. I is used to denote the current electricity. 

I = q/t = total charge/charge 

Instantaneous current  Iinstant = dq/dt

 Here dq is small charge 

dt is short time interval 

The most prominent example of the electric current is lightning, where the charge flows from the sky to the earth and produces a current known as the transient current. As soon as the charge flow stops, the current also ceases. Apart from this, torches and clocks are the most common examples of current electricity. 

SI unit of the Electric Current

The SI unit of the electric current is Amperes, denoted by A. Where I = q/t = 1 Coulomb/sec = 1 A.

This is why the current flowing from the current-carrying wires is one ampere. Ampere is one of the seven fundamental units in physics. 

Types of Current Electricity

There are mainly two types of current electricity which are- 

1. Direct current is also known as DC 
2. Alternating current is also known as AC 

Let’s understand each of these in detail- 

Direct Current 

When the direction of the current electricity remains constant, it is termed as direct current. It can be defined by the regular flow of electrons that flow from the region of the higher density to the lower electron density. DC can be commonly found in almost all electric appliances used at home. 

Alternating Current 

The next type of current electricity is the alternating current, where the direction of the current electricity keeps on changing. This occurs due to regular fluctuation in the voltage leading to periodic back for the current. Of the two, alternating current is the most preferred current electricity used in household equipment. 

Difference Between Direct Current and Alternating Current 

Below, we have listed the significant differences between the direct current and alternating current in a tabular form for better understanding. Let’s have a look- 

Generation of Current Electricity

There are several methods by which the current electricity can be generated. These are as follows- 

• Suppose a metal wire is moved through a magnetic field. By doing this, both direct current and alternating current can be generated in the least amount of time possible. 

• By performing chemical reactions using a battery. Using this method, only the direct current or the DC can be generated. 

Define Static Electricity

Static electricity can be defined as the electric charge which builds up only on the surface of substances or materials. Until these charges are discharged or grounded, they remain static. The primary reason why static electricity is formed is due to fiction. Every time the negative and the positive charges are separated, it gives rise to a phenomenon known as static electricity. 

Difference Between Current Electricity and Static Electricity

Below, we have highlighted the difference between Current Electricity and static electricity in a tabular form to help you understand these in detail. Let’s have a look. 

Conclusion 

In this article we study about the electric current and different aspect of electric current. Electric current is defined as charge flow in per unit time. Electric current are of two types such that alternative current and direct current.