Transcript Electric Current

Electric Current
Chapter 19-1: Pages 694-699
Physics
Electric Current
I. Current and charge movement
- Current (I) – the rate at which electric
charge moves through a
given area
Electric Current
I = ΔQ
← (charges passing through a
Δt
given area)
∟(time interval)
- SI unit for current is the ampere (A)
1 A = 1 C/s
Electric Current
- Conventional current
 The moving charges can be positive,
negative, or both
 In most conductors (metals) the current
is due to movement of negatively
charged particles (electrons) because
they are freely flowing due to overlapping
valence levels, and are more easily
removed from an atom due to being held
less tightly (less energy required to
remove them).
Electric Current
Electric Current
- When a potential difference is applied
(difference between negative and
positive terminals) to a conductor, an
electric field is setup inside the
conductor. The force due to that field
sets the electrons in motion. Thereby
creating a current.
Electric Current
HOMEWORK:
Page 695 #2-5
Page 699 #1-5