PhysicsSphere - Current, Potential difference & emf

Static Electricity v/s Current Electricity

Static electricity is a build-up of electric charge on the surface of objects due to friction or induction, without any flow of charge. It involves the accumulation of excess electrons on an object, leading to an imbalance of charge. Current electricity, on the other hand, involves the flow of electric charge through a conductor, typically driven by a voltage source such as a battery or generator, enabling the powering of electrical devices and systems.

Interactive animation on simple electrostatics experiments.

Current

Current is the rate of flow of electrons in a conductor. Current or Intensity of current is the quantity of charge that flows through a conductor in a circuit in one second. The SI unit of electric current is Ampere (A). Ammeter is the device to measure current.

Potential Difference & emf

Potential difference is the difference of potential between the two ends of a conductor. Current only flows, if there is potential difference between the ends of the conductor. Potential difference is the work done in moving a charge between the ends of a conductor.

Electromotive force (emf) is the ability to maintain potential difference between the ends of a conductor. Unit of potential difference and emf are Volt (V). Voltmeter is the device to measure both potential difference and emf.

The emf of a source of current is the potential difference between its ends when the source is in an open circuit.

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