Current is the flow of Electrical Charge

• Electric current is a flow of electrical charge. Electrical charge will only flow round a complete circuit if there is a potential difference. The unit of current is the ampere,A.

• In a single, closed loop the current has the same value everywhere in the circuit.

• Potential difference is the driving force that pushes the charge round. Its unit is the volt,V

• Resistance is anything that slows the flow down. Unit:ohm

• The current flowing through a component depends on the potential difference across it and the resistance of the component

Total Charge through a circuit depends on Current and Time

• The size of the current is the rate of flow of charge. When current flows past a point in a circuit for a length of time then the charge that has passed is given by this formula

• Formula: Q=It

• More charge passes around the circuit when a larger current flows

Learn these Circuit Diagram Symbols

• You need to be able to understand circuit diagrams and draw them using the correct symbols. Make sure all the wires in your circuit are straight lines and that the circuit is closed.