electric current

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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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