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Electromagnetism & Electronics

Electric Current

The rate of net flow of electric charge through a cross-sectional area of a conductor per unit time.

Governing formula I = dq/dt = n q v_d A
SI unit A (Amperes = C/s)

In depth

By convention, current flow direction is defined as the movement of positive charges (from positive to negative potential), which is opposite to the actual drift velocity v_d of conduction electrons in metals. One Ampere represents one Coulomb of charge passing a boundary per second.

Examples in the real world

A 100 W incandescent light bulb drawing ~0.83 A from a 120 V power supply, or a lightning strike transferring tens of thousands of Amperes in milliseconds.