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Encyclopedia > Electric currents

In electricity, current refers to electric current, which is the flow of electric charge. Lightning is an example of an electric current, as is the solar wind, the source of the polar aurora. Probably the most familiar form of electric current is the flow of conduction electrons in a metallic wire. This is how the electric company delivers electricity. In electronics, electric current is most often the flow of electrons through conductors and devices such as resistors, but it is also the flow of ions inside a battery or the flow of holes within a semiconductor. Electricity is a property of certain subatomic particles (e. ... Multiple cloud-to-ground and cloud-to-cloud lightning strokes are observed during a night-time thunderstorm. ... A solar wind is a stream of charged particles (i. ... Aurora borealis Polar aurorae are optical phenomena characterized by colorful displays of light in the night sky. ... Electrical conduction is the movement of a materials charged particles to form an electric current in response to an electric field. ... Properties The electron is a subatomic particle. ... Two digital voltmeters The field of electronics is the study and use of electrical devices that operate by controlling the flow of electrons or other electrically charged particles in devices such as thermionic valves and semiconductors. ... En [ [ ciencia ] ] y [ [ ingeniería ] ], los conductores son los materiales de los cuales contenga las cargas movibles [ [ electricidad ] ]. Cuando una diferencia potencial eléctrica se impresiona a través de puntos separados en un conductor, las cargas móviles dentro del conductor se fuerzan para moverse, y una corriente eléctrica entre esos puntos aparece... A resistor is a two-terminal electrical component that creates an electrical potential difference across its terminals that is proportional to the current passing through it. ... An ion is an elementary particle or system of elementary particles with a net electric charge. ... Four double-A (AA) batteries In science and technology, a battery is a device that stores energy and makes it available in an electrical form. ... In solid state physics, an electron hole (usually referred to simply as a hole) is the absence of an electron from the otherwise full valence band. ... A semiconductor is a material with an electrical conductance that is intermediate to those of an insulator and a conductor. ...


The symbol typically used for the amount of current (the amount of charge flowing per unit of time) is I, from the German word Intensität, which means 'intensity'. The SI unit of electrical current is the ampere. Electric current is therefore sometimes informally referred to as amperage, by analogy with the term voltage. Though this is a valid term, some engineers frown on it. The International System of Units (symbol: SI) (for the French phrase Système International dUnités) is the most widely used system of units. ... Amp re can refer to: Amp re (car) Ampere (unit) Andr -Marie Amp re This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... In the physical sciences, potential difference is the difference in potential between two points in a conservative vector field. ...

Contents


Conventional current

Conventional current was defined early in the history of electrical science as a flow of positive charge. In solid metals, like wires, the positive charges are immobile, and only the negatively charged electrons flow in the direction opposite conventional current, but this is not the case in most non-metallic conductors. In other materials, charged particles flow in both directions at the same time. Electric currents in electrolytes are flows of electrically charged atoms (ions), which exist in both positive and negative varieties. For example, an electrochemical cell may be constructed with salt water (a solution of sodium chloride) on one side of a membrane and pure water on the other. The membrane lets the positive sodium ions pass, but not the negative chlorine ions, so a net current results. Electric currents in plasma are flows of electrons as well as positive and negative ions. In ice and in certain solid electrolytes, flowing protons constitute the electric current. To simplify this situation, the original definition of conventional current still stands. Properties The electron is a subatomic particle. ... An ion is an elementary particle or system of elementary particles with a net electric charge. ... Electrochemistry is the science of the reactions that can take place at the interface of an electronic conductor (the electrode, which can be a metal or a semiconductor including graphite) and an ionic conductor (the electrolyte). ... Sodium chloride, also known as common salt, table salt, or halite, is a chemical compound with formula NaCl. ... A Plasma lamp In physics and chemistry, a plasma is an ionized gas, and is usually considered to be a distinct phase of matter. ... Properties In physics, the proton (Greek proton = first) is a subatomic particle with an electric charge of one positive fundamental unit (1. ...


There are also instances where the electrons are the charge that is physically moving, but where it makes more sense to think of the current as the movement of positive "holes" (the spots that should have an electron to make the conductor neutral). This is the case in a p-type semiconductor. In solid state physics, an electron hole (usually referred to simply as a hole) is the absence of an electron from the otherwise full valence band. ... A semiconductor is a material with an electrical conductance that is intermediate to those of an insulator and a conductor. ...


The speed of an electric current

The charged particles whose movement causes an electric current do not always move in straight lines. In metals, for example, they follow an erratic path, bouncing from atom to atom, but generally drifting in the direction of the electric field. The speed at which they drift can be calculated from the equation: Hot metal work from a blacksmith In chemistry, a metal (Greek: Metallon) is an element that readily forms ions (cations) and has metallic bonds, and metals are sometimes described as a lattice of positive ions (cations) in a cloud of electrons. ... In physics, an electric field or E-field is an effect produced by an electric charge that exerts a force on charged objects in its vicinity. ...

I = nAvQ

where

I is the current
n is number of charged particles per unit volume
A is the cross-sectional area of the conductor
v is the drift velocity, and
Q is the charge on each particle.

For example, in a copper wire of cross-section 0.5 mm², carrying a current of 5 A, the drift velocity of the electrons is of the order of a millimetre per second. To take a different example, in the near-vacuum inside a cathode ray tube, the electrons travel in near-straight lines ("ballistically") at about a tenth of the speed of light. General Name, Symbol, Number copper, Cu, 29 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 11 , 4, d Density, Hardness 8920 kg/m3, 3. ... A wire is a single, usually cylindrical, elongated strand of drawn metal. ... The cathode ray tube or CRT, invented by Karl Ferdinand Braun, is the display device used in most computer displays, video monitors, televisions and oscilloscopes. ... Cherenkov effect in a swimming pool nuclear reactor. ...


However, we know that an electric signal travels much faster than this; usually close to the speed of light. These results show that the speed of the charged particles is not necessarily related to the speed of the electric signal. To understand how signals travel faster than the particles that carry them, it is necessary to understand the properties of electromagnetic waves (see article). A signal may refer to: an abstract element of information, or, more exactly, usually a flow of information (in either one or several dimensions). ... Electromagnetic radiation is a propagating wave in space with electric and magnetic components. ...


Current density

Current density is the current per unit (cross-sectional) area.


Mathematically, current is defined as the net flux through an area. Thus:

where, in the MKS or SI system of measurement, Si, si, or SI may stand for: SI, the Système International dUnités (the metric International System of Units) one of two Spanish words pronounced like see: sí (accented) for yes and si (unaccented) for if a French word pronounced like see meaning yes, on the contrary, as...

φ is the current, measured in amperes
j is the "current density" measured in amperes per square metre
A is the area through which the current is flowing, measured in square metres

The current density is defined as: Amp re can refer to: Amp re (car) Ampere (unit) Andr -Marie Amp re This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... A square metre (US spelling: square meter) is by definition the area enclosed by a square with sides each 1 metre long. ... A square metre (US spelling: square meter) is by definition the area enclosed by a square with sides each 1 metre long. ...

where

n is the particle density (number of particles per unit volume)
x is the mass, charge, or any other characteristic whose flow one would like to measure.
u is the average velocity of the particles in each volume

Current density is an important consideration in the design of electrical and electronic systems. Most electrical conductors have a finite, positive resistance, making them dissipate power in the form of heat. The current density must be kept sufficiently low to prevent the conductor from melting or burning up, or the insulating material failing. In superconductors, excessive current density may generate a strong enough magnetic field to cause spontaneous loss of the superconductive property. A magnet levitating above a high-temperature superconductor with boiling liquid nitrogen underneath demonstrates the Meissner effect. ...


Electromagnetism

Every electric current produces a magnetic field. The magnetic field can be visualized as a pattern of circular field lines surrounding the wire. Current flowing through a wire produces a magnetic field (M) around the wire. ...


Electric current can be directly measured with a galvanometer, but this method involves breaking the circuit, which is sometimes inconvenient. Current can also be measured without breaking the circuit by detecting the magnetic field it creates. Devices used for this include Hall effect sensors, current clamps and Rogowski coils. Wire carrying current to be measured Restoring spring A galvanometer is an electromechanical transducer. ... Current flowing through a wire produces a magnetic field (M) around the wire. ... The Hall effect refers to the potential difference (voltage) on opposite sides of a thin sheet of conducting or semiconducting material in the form of a Hall bar or a van der Pauw element through which an electric current is flowing, created by a magnetic field applied perpendicular to the... A sensor is a technological device or biological organ that detects, or senses, a signal or physical condition. ... The Rogowski coil is an electrical device for measuring alternating current (AC). ...


Ohm's law

Ohm's law predicts the current in an (ideal) resistor (or other ohmic device) to be the quotient of applied voltage over electrical resistance: Ohms law, named after its discoverer Georg Ohm [1], states that the potential difference (or voltage drop V) between the ends of a conductor (for example, a resistor R) and the current, (I) flowing through R are proportional at a given temperature: where V is the voltage and I... A resistor is a two-terminal electrical component that creates an electrical potential difference across its terminals that is proportional to the current passing through it. ... An ohmic device is one that demonstrates the Ohms Law for the relationship of current through it and voltage across. ... In the physical sciences, potential difference is the difference in potential between two points in a conservative vector field. ... Electrical resistance is a measure of the degree to which an electrical component opposes the passage of current. ...

where

I is the current, measured in amperes
V is the potential difference measured in volts
R is the resistance measured in ohms

Amp re can refer to: Amp re (car) Ampere (unit) Andr -Marie Amp re This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... In the physical sciences, potential difference is the difference in potential between two points in a conservative vector field. ... The volt is the SI derived unit for electric potential and voltage (derived from the ampere and watt). ... Electrical resistance is a measure of the degree to which an electrical component opposes the passage of current. ... The ohm is the SI derived unit of electrical resistance (derived from the ampere and the watt). ...

Electrical safety

The danger of an electric shock depends on the current (in milliamperes), duration and the current's path in the body:

Currents through the heart and the nervous system are the most dangerous. As most dangerous sources are voltage sources, the current present depends on the resistance of the body between the points of contact and any current limiting built into the source. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of skeletal muscle due to injury. ... Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib) is a cardiac condition which consists of a lack of coordination of the contraction of the muscle tissue of the large chambers of the heart. ...


SI electricity units

SI electromagnetism units

edit Si, si, or SI may stand for: SI, the Système International dUnités (the metric International System of Units) one of two Spanish words pronounced like see: sí (accented) for yes and si (unaccented) for if a French word pronounced like see meaning yes, on the contrary, as... Electromagnetism is the physics of electromagnetic fields: a field, encompassing all of space, comprised of electrical and magnetic fields. ...

Name Symbol Dimensions Quantity
ampere (SI base unit) A A Current
coulomb C A·s Electric charge, Quantity of electricity
volt V J/C = kg·m2·s−3·A−1 Potential difference
ohm Ω V/A = kg·m2·s−3·A−2 Resistance, Impedance, Reactance
ohm metre Ω·m kg·m3·s−3·A−2 Resistivity
watt W V·A = kg·m2·s−3 Electrical power
farad F C/V = kg−1·m−2·A2·s4 Capacitance
farad per metre F/m kg−1·m−3·A2·s4 Permittivity
reciprocal farad F−1 kg1·m2·A−2·s−4 Elastance
siemens S Ω−1 = kg−1·m−2·s3·A2 Conductance, Admittance, Susceptance
siemens per metre S/m kg−1·m−3·s3·A2 Conductivity
weber Wb V·s = kg·m2·s−2·A−1 Magnetic flux
tesla T Wb/m2 = kg·s−2·A−1 Magnetic flux density
ampere per metre A/m m−1·A magnetic induction
ampere-turns per weber A/Wb kg−1·m−2·s2·A2 Reluctance
henry H Wb/A = V·s/A = kg·m2·s−2·A−2 Inductance
henry per metre H/m kg·m·s−2·A−2 Permeability
(dimensionless) χ - Magnetic susceptibility

Amp re can refer to: Amp re (car) Ampere (unit) Andr -Marie Amp re This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Si, si, or SI may stand for: SI, the Système International dUnités (the metric International System of Units) one of two Spanish words pronounced like see: sí (accented) for yes and si (unaccented) for if a French word pronounced like see meaning yes, on the contrary, as... The coulomb, symbol C, is the SI unit of electric charge, and is defined in terms of the ampere: 1 coulomb is the amount of electric charge (quantity of electricity) carried by a current of 1 ampere flowing for 1 second. ... Electric charge is a fundamental FATTY STASHEconserved property of some subatomic particles, which determines their electromagnetic interactions. ... In physics the term Quantity of Electricity refers to the quantity of electric charge. ... The volt is the SI derived unit for electric potential and voltage (derived from the ampere and watt). ... In the physical sciences, potential difference is the difference in potential between two points in a conservative vector field. ... The ohm is the SI derived unit of electrical resistance (derived from the ampere and the watt). ... Electrical resistance is a measure of the degree to which an electrical component opposes the passage of current. ... In electrical engineering, impedance is a measure for the manner and degree a component resists the flow of electrical current if a given voltage is applied. ... In the analysis of an alternating-current electrical circuit (for example a RLC series circuit), reactance is the transient part of impedance, and is caused by the presence of inductors or capacitors in the circuit. ... The ohm is the SI derived unit of electrical resistance (derived from the ampere and the watt). ... The metre, symbol: m, is the basic unit of distance (or of length, in the parlance of the physical sciences) in the International System of Units. ... Electrical resistivity - Wikipedia /**/ @import /w/skins-1. ... The watt (symbol: W) is the SI derived unit for power. ... Transmission lines in Lund, Sweden Electric power, often known as power or electricity, involves the production and delivery of electrical energy in sufficient quantities to operate domestic appliances, office equipment, industrial machinery and provide sufficient energy for both domestic and commercial lighting, heating, cooking and industrial processes. ... The farad (symbol F) is the SI unit of capacitance (named after Michael Faraday). ... Capacitance is a measure of the amount of electric charge stored for a given electric potential. ... The farad (symbol F) is the SI unit of capacitance (named after Michael Faraday). ... The metre, symbol: m, is the basic unit of distance (or of length, in the parlance of the physical sciences) in the International System of Units. ... The permittivity of a medium is an intensive physical quantity that describes how an electric field affects and is affected by the medium. ... The farad (symbol F) is the SI unit of capacitance (named after Michael Faraday). ... Electrical elastance is the inverse of capacitance. ... The siemens (symbol: S) is an SI derived unit of measurement for electric conductance, being the inverse of the ohm (Ω), named after Werner von Siemens. ... Electrical conductance is an electrical phenomenon where a material contains movable particles with electric charge, which can carry electricity. ... In electrical engineering, the admittance (Y) is the inverse or reciprocal of the impedance (Z). ... In electrical engineering, the susceptance (B) is the imaginary part of the admittance. ... The siemens (symbol: S) is an SI derived unit of measurement for electric conductance, being the inverse of the ohm (Ω), named after Werner von Siemens. ... The metre, symbol: m, is the basic unit of distance (or of length, in the parlance of the physical sciences) in the International System of Units. ... Electrical conductivity is a measure of how well a material accommodates the transport of electric charge. ... This article is in need of attention. ... Magnetic flux, is a measure of quantity of magnetism, taking account of the strength and the extent of a magnetic field. ... The tesla (symbol T) is the SI derived unit of magnetic flux density (or magnetic inductivity). ... Magnetic field density, otherwise known as magnetic flux density, is essentially what the layman knows as a magnetic field - akin to a gravitational or electric field. ... Amp re can refer to: Amp re (car) Ampere (unit) Andr -Marie Amp re This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... The metre, symbol: m, is the basic unit of distance (or of length, in the parlance of the physical sciences) in the International System of Units. ... Electromagnetic induction is the production of an electrical potential difference (or voltage) across a conductor situated in a changing magnetic field. ... Amp re can refer to: Amp re (car) Ampere (unit) Andr -Marie Amp re This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Weber is a surname of German origin, derived from the noun meaning weaver. The German pronunciation is best represented in English orthography as VAYBr, while in English it is more likely to be pronounced WEBBr or WAYBr. In some cases, following migration to English-speaking countries, it... Magnetic reluctance is the resistance of a material to a magnetic field. ... The henry (symbol H) is the SI unit of inductance. ... Inductance is a physical characteristic of an inductor, which is an electrical device that produces at any time a voltage proportional to the instantaneous rate of change in current flowing through it. ... The henry (symbol H) is the SI unit of inductance. ... The metre, symbol: m, is the basic unit of distance (or of length, in the parlance of the physical sciences) in the International System of Units. ... In electromagnetism, permeability is the degree of magnetisation of a material that responds linearly to a magnetic field. ... In electrical engineering, the magnetic susceptibility is the degree of magnetization of a material in response to a magnetic field. ...

See also

An alternating current (AC) is an electrical current where the magnitude and direction of the current varies cyclically, as opposed to direct current, where the direction of the current stays constant. ... Direct current (DC or continuous current) is the continuous flow of electricity through a conductor such as a wire from high to low potential. ... Electrical conduction is the movement of a materials charged particles to form an electric current in response to an electric field. ...

External links

  • Which direction does electricity really flow?

  Results from FactBites:
 
Electric current - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (1321 words)
Electric currents in electrolytes are flows of electrically charged atoms (ions), which exist in both positive and negative varieties.
The SI unit of electric current is the ampere (A), which is equal to a flow of one coulomb of charge per second.
It is the current that passes that determines the effect, and this depends on the nature of the contact, the condition of the body part, the current path through the body and the voltage of the source.
  More results at FactBites »


 

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