16.1 Electric Current
In an atom, the electrons and positively charged nucleus are held together by strong force. However, in metals some electrons can move freely as these are not tightly bonded with the nucleus. These electrons move randomly within a metallic conductor. When an external electric field is applied, these electrons move in a specific direction. This flow of charges is called an electric current.
lightbulbThe amount of charge passing through any cross section of a conductor per unit time is called electric current.
I = Q / t
The SI unit of electric current is ampere (A). One ampere is defined as the flow of one coulomb of electric charge per second:
1 A = 1 C s⁻¹