Current: Flow of electrical charge (electrons).
Condition: Only flows in a closed circuit with potential difference (p.d.).
Unit of Current: Ampere (A).
Potential Difference (Voltage): Drives the charge around the circuit.
Unit: Volt (V).
Resistance: Opposes the flow of current.
Unit: Ohm (Ω).
In a single, closed loop, the current is the same throughout.
Formula: Q=I×tQ=I×t
Q = Charge (Coulombs, C)
I = Current (A)
t = Time (seconds, s)
Higher Resistance = Lower Current (for a fixed p.d.).
Example Calculation:
If a current of 2 A flows for 2.5 hours, charge Q=2×(2.5×3600)=18000Q=2×(2.5×3600)=18000 C.
Symbol
Symbol Component:
Battery
Power source
Switch (Open)
Controls circuit
Switch (Closed)
Completes circuit
Filament Lamp
Produces light
LED
Diode emitting light
Fuse
Safety device
Resistor
Opposes current
Variable Resistor
Adjusts resistance
Ammeter
Measures current
Voltmeter
Measures voltage
Diode
Allows one-way current
Thermistor
Temp.-dependent resistor
LDR
Light-dependent resistor