Science glossary film: Electric Current

Electric current is the flow of electric charge. In wires, this is carried by negative electrons. In fluids, this can be carried by charged ions. By convention we say current flows in the direction of positive charge. Current is measured with an ammeter, and is given in SI units called amps, or amperes. One amp is equivalent to one coulomb of charge per second passing a given point.

In wires, this is carried by negative electrons. In fluids, this can be carried by charged ions. By convention we say current flows in the direction of positive charge. Current is measured with an ammeter, and is given in SI units called amps, or amperes. One amp is equivalent to one coulomb of charge per second passing a given point.