Electrical Current (T2)

Question 1

Describe current…

Answer 1

The flow of electrons around a circuit, from negative (-ve) to positive (+ve), with each electron carrying a small amount of energy.

Question 2

What is electric current measured in?

Answer 2

Amperes
Amps
A

Question 3

How would you measure the current in a circuit?

Answer 3

Current is measured using an ammeter, connected in SERIES

Question 4

What is the formula for calculating current?

Answer 4

I = Q / t

I = current in Amps
Q = charge in coulombs
t = time in seconds

Question 5

Why is current not constant in parallel circuits?

Answer 5

Think of it like the water flowing around a central heating system. If a radiator is inserted that diverts from the system before reconnecting, the system is effectively split down the middle. The total amount of water is the same but it is now taking two routes before reconnecting with the system.

Question 6

What is direct current (DC) ?

Answer 6

Current that is provided by a cell or a battery in a specific direction.

Question 7

What is alternate current (AC) ?

Answer 7

Current provided by the main and the direction of the current’s flow changes many times per second. Mains in the UK works on a 50Hz frequency, which is 50 cycles per second.

Question 8

When two or more components are connected in series, is current constant or not?

Answer 8

Current is constant and the same current flows through each component.