Introduction to Electric Current

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Questions and Answers

What constitutes an electric current?

Charged particles at rest
A static charge accumulation
Moving charges (correct)
An oscillating electric field

Which equation represents the total net charge flowing in the forward direction?

$q = q_{+} + q_{-}$
$q = 2q_{+} - q_{-}$
$q = q_{+} - 2q_{-}$
$q = q_{+} - q_{-}$ (correct)

How does the net charge relate to the time interval for a steady current?

It is independent of time.
It is proportional to time. (correct)
It is inversely proportional to time.
It is exponentially related to time.

Which of the following best represents how charges flow in electric current?

<p>Charges can flow in both forward and backward directions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a device that utilizes steady electric current?

<p>A clock (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Electric Current

The movement of electric charges, often compared to the flow of water in a river.

Net Charge Flow

The net amount of positive charge minus the net amount of negative charge flowing across a given area in a specific time interval.

Steady Electric Current

Electric current is proportional to the time interval when the current is steady. This means that the amount of charge flowing is directly related to the time it takes.

Static Charges

A region where charges are at rest, not moving.

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Non-Steady Current

The flow of charges is not steady, but changing in time.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Electric Current

All charges, whether free or bound, can be considered at rest, or in motion.
Charges in motion form an electric current.
Natural examples of electric currents include lightning, where charges move from clouds to earth.
Everyday examples include steady flows, like water in a river or devices like torches and clocks.
This chapter focuses on steady electric currents.

Electric Current

Imagine a small area perpendicular to charge flow.
Positive and negative charges can flow forward or backward.
q+ represents the net positive charges flowing forward in time interval t.
q- represents the net negative charges flowing forward in time interval t.
The total net charge (q) flowing forward in time t is calculated as q = q+ − q−.
The net charge flowing is proportional to the time interval t in a steady current.