Electric Current - GCSE Chemistry Definition

Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor, for example a wire. It is like water flowing through a pipe. This movement of charge is usually caused by electrons, tiny particles, moving through the wire. Electric current only flows when a circuit is complete. The rate at which the charge flows is measured in amperes (amps), and this shows how much electricity is moving through the circuit at a given time. In a circuit, electricity can be used to power devices like lights and motors. Understanding electric current helps us learn how electricity works and how we can use it to power different technological gadgets and appliances.