Current - Amps
The "rate of flow of
coulombs"
(called "current") around an
electric circuit
is measured in amps.
1 Amp = 1 Coulomb per second.
The word "per" means "divided
by",
so current = charge ÷
time.
Current, which is given the symbol I, is shown using an ammeter.
The ammeter, shown as a circle with the letter
A inside,
is always connected in series with a component.
If the ammeter reads 1
Amp,
then the current (I) = 1 Amp at that
point in the circuit.
I = 1 Amp
= 1 Coulomb per second.
If the ammeter reads 6
Amps,
then I = 6
Amps = 6 Coulombs per
second.
Charge, which is given the symbol Q, is measured in Coulombs.
So current = charge
÷ time.
I = Q
÷ t
This can be
rearranged to give
Q = I x
t,
or, charge = current x time (See
equations).
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