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Foundations of Physics

Ampere

The SI base unit of electric current, defined by fixing the elementary charge to e = 1.602176634 × 10⁻¹⁹ C.

Governing formula 1 A = 1 C / s
SI unit A

In depth

One Ampere represents the passage of 6.241509 × 10¹⁸ elementary charges per second through a conductor cross-section.

Examples in the real world

A typical smartphone charger draws ~1 to 2 Amperes of DC current, whereas a household circuit breaker trips at 15 to 20 Amperes.