What is the Difference Between Current and Voltage?

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The main difference between current and voltage lies in their definitions and effects on a circuit:

  • Voltage is the potential difference between two points in an electric field, which causes current to flow in the circuit. It is the electrical force that would drive an electric current between two points. Voltage is measured in volts and is represented by the symbol "V".
  • Current is the rate at which electric charge flows past a point in a circuit. It is the flow of electric charge through a circuit and is measured in amperes (A), which is defined as the amount of charge that passes through a point in a circuit per second. Current is represented by the symbol "I".

Key differences between voltage and current include:

  1. Definition: Voltage is the measure of electric potential energy per unit charge, while current is the flow of electric charge through a circuit.
  2. Units: Voltage is measured in volts, while current is measured in amperes.
  3. Symbol: Voltage is typically represented by the symbol "V", while current is represented by the symbol "I".
  4. Effect on the Circuit: Voltage is the force that drives current through a circuit, while current is the actual flow of electric charge through the circuit.

In summary, voltage is the potential difference that drives current through a circuit, while current is the actual flow of electric charge in the circuit. Both voltage and current are fundamental quantities in electricity and are closely related, but they represent different aspects of electric circuits.

Comparative Table: Current vs Voltage

Here is a table comparing the differences between current and voltage:

Property Voltage Current
Definition Voltage, also called electromotive force, is the energy per unit charge and is the difference in electric potential between two points. Current is the rate of flow of electric charge, or the rate at which electric charge flows in a circuit at a particular point.
Unit Volt (V) Ampere (A). 1 A = 1 C/s.
Symbol V I
Measuring Instrument Voltmeter Ammeter
Inter-relation Voltage is the cause of the current. Current is the effect of the voltage, and it cannot flow without voltage.
Field created Electrostatic field Magnetic field

Voltage and current are fundamental electrical quantities, and their relationship can be represented in Ohm's Law. Voltage is the driving force that causes the current to flow in a circuit, and they both depend on each other.