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There are many complex explanations for current flow in electronics. The answer below describes the basic requirements without including great detail. For a more academic discussion, you are advised to look at relevant sections of text books on electrical and electronic engineering.
In order for electrical current to flow, there must be two things:
1) A voltage (sometimes referred to as a "potential difference"). The voltage can be created by a battery, a generator, a solar cell or a mains voltage outlet.
2) A complete circuit. This must include conductors such as wires that start at the positive terminal of the voltage source and at the far end, return to the negative terminal of the voltage source. Other components such as lamps, resistors and switches can form part of the complete circuit.
We must have a voltage for current to flow because without it, there is no "electrical force" to cause the current to flow.
We need a complete circuit so that the current can flow from the positive of the voltage source, through conductors and return to the negative of the voltage source. Current will flow through any complete circuit. If a switch is part of the circuit, when it is open, no current can flow because the circuit has been broken. When the switch is closed, the circuit is complete and current will flow once again.
Therefore, it is possible to have a voltage without a current (switch open, for example) but it is not possible to have a current without a voltage.
NB: Mains electricity is alternating current. It follows the same principles as the DC examples mentioned above although there is a changing voltage rather than a constant voltage.
What else can I help you with?
Does charge flow through a circuit or into a circuit?
Charge flow through a circut
What device is needed for current to flow in an electric circuit?
Too vague of a question. As long as it is a closed circuit it will flow.
The term for the flow of electrons through a circuit is?
electric current
Electricity will flow only if an electrical circuit is?
if an electric circuit has potential difference. Electricity will flow only if an electrical circuit is closed.
The battery determines the direction of flow of charge in a circuit?
Yes
Which part of a circuit is a current?
Current is the flow of electric charge or the rate of the flow of an electric charge through a conductor.
How does current exist?
Current is the flow of electric charge, typically carried by free electrons in a conductor. When a voltage is applied across a circuit, the electrons move in response to the electric field, creating an electric current. This flow of charge allows electrical energy to be transferred and utilized in various devices.
How does a electric current flow through a circuit?
If a voltage is applied, electrons (or other charge carriers) are subjected to an attraction towards one side, and a repulsion from the opposite side. This results in the current, i.e., the flow of charge carriers.
What does the work in an electric circuit?
The work in an electric circuit is done by the flow of electric charge, typically achieved by the movement of electrons through a conductor. Work is done when a voltage is applied to the circuit, causing the electrons to move and transfer energy to the components in the circuit like light bulbs or motors.
What is the rate of a flow charge?
The rate of flow charge, commonly known as the current, is measured in amperes (A) and represents the amount of electric charge passing through a given point in a circuit per unit of time. It is the flow of electric charge carriers, such as electrons, in a circuit and is essential for the operation of electrical devices.
What sets the electrons into motion in an electric circuit?
All that is required is a conductive pathway between a higher level of charge (negative charge) and a lower level of charge (positive charge). A power source allows charge to flow out into a circuit and back, usually transferring energy. * The electrons themselves do not actually "move" at the speed of the current flow.
What is the meaning of conservation of charge in a parallel circuit?
The conservation of charge in a parallel circuit means that the total amount of electric charge entering the circuit must equal the total amount of electric charge leaving the circuit. This principle ensures that electric charge is neither created nor destroyed within the circuit, maintaining a constant flow of charge throughout the parallel branches.
What is the relationship between the electric field and current in a circuit?
The electric field in a circuit is directly related to the current flowing through it. The electric field is what drives the flow of electric charge, which is the current. In other words, the presence of an electric field is necessary for current to flow in a circuit.
Is the continuous flow of charge in a circuit called direct current?
No, the continuous flow of charge in a circuit is called electric current. Direct current (DC) refers to the flow of electric charge in a single direction, whereas alternating current (AC) changes direction periodically.
Why is there no flow of electric current?
There are two possible causes: 1. The circuit has no Voltage applied to it. 2. The resistance of the circuit is INFINITE.
what is the charge of X in XC2H3O2?
If you know the electric current, the flow of electric charge through an object, traveling through a circuit and how long the current is applied, you can calculate electrical charge using the equation for current Q = It in which Q is the total charge measured in coulombs, I is current in amps, and t is time that the ..
What is meant by strength of current?
Strength of current refers to the amount of electric charge flowing through a circuit per unit of time. It is measured in amperes (A) and represents the rate of flow of electric charge in a circuit. A higher current strength indicates a larger flow of charge through the circuit.
