What is Current?
Current is the flow of electric charge (electrons) through a conductor, like a wire. It’s similar to the flow of water through a pipe.
- Unit of Current: Ampere (A)
- Symbol for Current: I
Real-Life Example: Water Flow in a Pipe
Imagine you have a water tank connected to a pipe with a tap at the end.
🔹 The water pressure inside the tank represents voltage (the force pushing water).
🔹 The pipe represents the wire (the conductor where electrons move).
🔹 The flow of water through the pipe represents current (the movement of electrons).
➡️ When you open the tap, water flows — just like current flows when a circuit is closed.
➡️ The stronger the water pressure, the more water flows — just like higher voltage pushes more current.
Key Observations in This Example:
1️⃣ Narrow Pipe = Less Current: A thin pipe restricts water flow, just like a small wire restricts current flow.
2️⃣ Wide Pipe = More Current: A wider pipe allows more water flow, just like a thick wire can carry more current.
3️⃣ Closed Tap = No Current: If the tap is closed, no water flows — similar to an open circuit with no current.
4️⃣ More Pressure = Higher Current: Increasing water pressure (voltage) increases water flow (current).
Example in Electrical Systems:
Imagine a 220V home circuit:
- When you plug in a 100W bulb, a small current flows.
- When you plug in a 2000W heater, a much larger current flows.
✅ More electrical devices = More current flow.
✅ Thicker wires are required for high-current appliances to avoid overheating (just like a wider pipe for higher water flow).
Quick Formula to Remember:
I = V / R
Where:
- I = Current (in Amperes)
- V = Voltage (in Volts)
- R = Resistance (in Ohms)
Summary:
✅ Current is like water flow in a pipe.
✅ Higher voltage pushes more current.
✅ Thicker wires are like wider pipes — they allow more current to pass safely.
Explore the basics to become more knowledgeable. Let’s Go!