What is the Difference Between Current and Charge?

The main difference between current and charge lies in their definitions and characteristics. Here are the key differences between electric current and electric charge:

• Definition: Electric charge is the subatomic property of all materials in nature, while the electric current is the direct flow of electric charge in an electric circuit.
• Symbol: Electric charge is denoted by symbols 'Q' or 'q', while electric current is denoted by symbols 'i' or 'I'.
• Unit: The SI unit of electric charge is Coulombs (C), while the SI unit of electric current is Amperes (A).
• Measurement: Electric charge is measured using an electrometer, while electric current is measured using an ammeter (ampere-meter).
• Types: There are two basic types of electric currents: AC current, which flows with changing direction and magnitude, and DC current, which flows in one direction with constant magnitude.

In summary, electric charge is a subatomic property that indicates the deficit or excess of electrons on a body, while electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge in a specific direction, usually in an electric circuit.

Comparative Table: Current vs Charge

The main difference between charge and current is that charge is a fundamental property of matter, while current is the rate of flow of charged particles, such as electrons, in a specific direction. Here is a table summarizing the key differences between charge and current:

In summary, charge is a fundamental property of matter that results in a force experienced by the charged particles in an electrical field, while current is the rate of flow of charged particles, such as electrons, in a specific direction, with the force experienced in both electric and magnetic fields.