An electric current is a flow of electrons through a conductor, powered by a source of energy and impeded by resistance.
How Does an Electric Current Work?
Electricity powers our homes, cities, and lives. But how exactly does an electric current work? Simply put, an electric current is a flow of electrons through a conductor. Let’s dive deeper into the science behind it.
An electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. Electric charge is carried by subatomic particles called electrons, which are negatively charged. When electrons flow through a conductor, such as a wire, they create an electric current.
Electricity is created through the movement of electrons. Electrons have a negative charge and are attracted to positively charged particles. In an electric circuit, the electrons are pushed by a source of energy, such as a battery or generator. This energy pushes the electrons through the conductor, creating an electric current.
Resistance is the measure of how difficult it is for an electric current to flow through a conductor. Some materials, such as metals, have low resistance, which means they allow electric current to flow easily. Other materials, such as rubber, have high resistance, which means they impede the flow of electric current. Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).
Voltage is the measure of the amount of energy that an electric current has. It is often compared to the pressure in a water pipe. Just like water pressure pushes water through a pipe, voltage pushes electrons through a conductor. Voltage is measured in volts (V).
Current is the measure of the rate of flow of electric charge. It is often compared to the flow of water in a pipe. Just like the flow of water in a pipe is measured in liters per second, the flow of electric charge is measured in amperes (A).
An electric current is created by the movement of electrons through a conductor. This movement is powered by a source of energy and is impeded by resistance. Voltage provides the energy to push electrons through the conductor, while current measures the rate of flow of electric charge. Understanding these basic principles can help us better understand the technology that powers our world.
