electric current

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electric current

electric current net movement or flow of electric charge from one point to another or across some boundary. See alternating current ; direct current ; electricity .

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electric current

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

electric current Movement of electric charges, usually the flow of electrons along a conductor or the movement of ions through an electrolyte. This is caused by freely moving particles usually charged by a mains supply or battery. Current (symbol I) flows from a positive to a negative terminal, although electrons actually flow along a wire in the opposite direction. It is measured in amperes. Direct current (DC) flows continuously in one direction, whereas alternating current (AC) regularly reverses direction. The frequency of AC current is measured in hertz (Hz). See also electricity; particle physics

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