If 20 Coulombs of charge passes a point in a circuit in 1 second, what is the value of the current flowing?
20 Ampere
Understanding Electric Current Calculation
The question asks us to determine the value of electric current flowing through a circuit when a certain amount of charge passes a point in a given time. This requires understanding the fundamental definition of electric current.
Definition of Electric Current
Electric current is defined as the rate at which electric charge flows through a circuit. In simpler terms, it is the amount of charge passing through a cross-sectional area of a conductor in a unit of time.
The relationship between charge, current, and time is given by the formula:
\(I = \frac{Q}{t}\)
- \(I\) represents the electric current, measured in Amperes (A).
- \(Q\) represents the electric charge, measured in Coulombs (C).
- \(t\) represents the time taken, measured in seconds (s).
Calculating Current from Charge and Time
In this specific problem, we are given:
- Charge \(Q = 20\) Coulombs
- Time \(t = 1\) second
Now, we can substitute these values into the formula for electric current:
\(I = \frac{Q}{t}\)
\(I = \frac{20 \text{ C}}{1 \text{ s}}\)
\(I = 20 \text{ C/s}\)
Understanding the Unit of Current
The unit of electric current is the Ampere (A). One Ampere is defined as the flow of one Coulomb of charge per second.
\(1 \text{ A} = 1 \text{ C/s}\)
Therefore, our calculated value of 20 C/s is equal to 20 Amperes.
\(I = 20 \text{ A}\)
Comparing with Options
The calculated current is 20 Ampere. Let's compare this with the given options:
- 20 Ampere
- 5 Ampere
- 10 Ampere
- 15 Ampere
Our result matches the first option.
Conclusion
If 20 Coulombs of charge passes a point in a circuit in 1 second, the value of the current flowing is 20 Ampere.
| Quantity | Symbol | Unit | Given Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charge | \(Q\) | Coulomb (C) | 20 C |
| Time | \(t\) | second (s) | 1 s |
| Current | \(I\) | Ampere (A) | ? |
Using the formula \(I = Q/t\), we get \(I = 20 \text{ C} / 1 \text{ s} = 20 \text{ A}\).
Revision Table: Electric Current Fundamentals
| Concept | Definition | Formula | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Charge | Fundamental property of matter | N/A | Coulomb (C) |
| Electric Current | Rate of flow of electric charge | \(I = Q/t\) | Ampere (A) |
| Time | Duration | N/A | second (s) |
Additional Information: Understanding Current Flow
Electric current is often visualized as the flow of electrons in a conductor. However, the direction of conventional current is defined as the direction of flow of positive charge, which is opposite to the direction of electron flow.
In a circuit, current flows from a point of higher electric potential to a point of lower electric potential. This flow is driven by a voltage source, such as a battery or power supply.
Different types of current exist:
- Direct Current (DC): Charge flows in only one direction.
- Alternating Current (AC): The direction of charge flow reverses periodically.
Measuring current in a circuit is done using an instrument called an ammeter, which must be connected in series with the component through which the current is being measured.
Important Questions from Electric Current
The work done in moving a charge of 2 coulomb (C) from point A to point B is 24 J. What is the potential difference between A and B?
Two conducting wires of the same material and of equal lengths and equal diameters are first connected in parallel and then in series in a circuit across the same potential difference. The ratio of heat produced in parallel and series combinations is
Direction of flow of electric current is from
- A constant potential difference is applied across a metallic conductor of non-uniform cross-section. If the cross-sectional area at section P is $A_P$ and at section Q is $A_Q$, and given that $A_P > A_Q$, which of the following statements is correct?
The current in the bulb will stop flowing:
