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:HOMEWORK:

Page 695 #2-5

Page 699 #1-5