Electric current: Difference between revisions
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'''Electric current''' refers to the flow of [[electron | '''Electric current''' refers to the flow of [[electric charge]], for example, [[electron]]s through a [[conductor]], or [[ion]]s in a [[plasma]]. Electric current creates a [[magnetic field]], and a time-varying electric current generates an [[electromagnetic wave]], as described by [[Maxwell's equations]]. | ||
The [[SI unit]] for electric current is the [[ampere]]. | |||
==Electron flow== | ==Electron flow== | ||
In practical circuit theory, current is considered | In practical circuit theory, current is considered as a flow of positive electric charge from nodes of higher [[electric potential]] to nodes of lower electric potential. However, the direction of electron flow in a current is from lower to higher electric potential, because the electron has a negative charge. | ||
Revision as of 07:37, 21 August 2011
Electric current refers to the flow of electric charge, for example, electrons through a conductor, or ions in a plasma. Electric current creates a magnetic field, and a time-varying electric current generates an electromagnetic wave, as described by Maxwell's equations.
The SI unit for electric current is the ampere.
Electron flow
In practical circuit theory, current is considered as a flow of positive electric charge from nodes of higher electric potential to nodes of lower electric potential. However, the direction of electron flow in a current is from lower to higher electric potential, because the electron has a negative charge.