Electric Current

Electric current is the rate at which electric charge passes through a point in a circuit. The equation is: I = Qt where: I = current in amperes (A) Q = charge in coulombs (C) t = time in seconds (s) One ampere means one coulomb of charge passing a point each second: 1 A = 1 C/s

In metallic wires, the mobile charge carriers are **electrons**. When a potential difference is applied across a conductor, free electrons gain an overall drift through the material.

By convention, current direction is taken from the **positive terminal toward the negative terminal** in the external circuit. Electron drift is in the opposite direction.

A continuous current requires a complete conducting path and a source that maintains a potential difference. If the circuit is broken, continuous current stops.

A charge of 24 C passes through a wire in 6 s. **I = Qt** **I = 246** **I = 4 A**