 |
|
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
|
|
current
A flow of electric charges through a conductor. In wires, the charges are carried by electrons. In fluids, the charges may be carried by both electrons and ions. Current is measured in amperes (amps) and is represented by the symbol I.
When an electric current moves continuously in one direction it is called a direct current. When the current fluctuates rapidly back and forth it is called an alternating current. Alternating current is used in almost all household wiring worldwide today. Direct current is commonly seen in battery-operated devices. It is a convention to say that direct current flows from the positive terminal of a battery to the negative – however we know that the current actually consists of electrons flowing from the negative terminal to the positive (the convention of negative and positive was set up long before the discovery of electrons).
Related category
• ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
Also on this site:
Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History
Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site)