Question T5A03
From subelement T5 - T5A
What is the name for the flow of electrons in an electric circuit?
Why is this correct?
Current is specifically defined as the flow of electrons in an electric circuit, measured in amperes. Voltage is the electrical 'pressure' or force that causes electron flow, not the flow itself. Resistance opposes electron flow but isn't the flow. Capacitance relates to storing electrical charge, not electron movement through a circuit.
Memory tip
Remember the water analogy: if voltage is water pressure, then current is the actual water flowing through the pipe. The term 'current' literally means 'flowing' - just like ocean currents are flowing water, electrical current is flowing electrons.
Learn more
In practical amateur radio operation, understanding current flow is crucial for antenna theory, impedance matching, and power calculations. Current creates the electromagnetic fields that radiate from antennas. Too much current through components can cause overheating and damage. The direction of current flow (conventional vs. electron flow) affects how we analyze circuits, though both methods yield correct results when applied consistently.
Think about it
Why do you think we measure current in amperes rather than just counting individual electrons per second?