Electric Current Examples in Physics

Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Electric Current.

This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in Physics.

Concept Recap

The rate of flow of electric charge through a conductor. Measured in amperes (A).

Current is like the flow rate of water in a pipe โ€” how much charge passes a point each second.

Read the full concept explanation โ†’

How to Use These Examples

  • Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
  • Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
  • Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.

What to Focus On

Core idea: Current measures how much charge moves past a point per second.

Common stuck point: Conventional current flows from positive to negative, but electrons actually move the other way.

Worked Examples

Example 1

easy
A charge of 10 \text{ C} flows through a wire in 5 \text{ s}. What is the electric current?

Solution

  1. 1
    Use the current formula: I = \frac{Q}{t}.
  2. 2
    Substitute the given values: I = \frac{10}{5}.
  3. 3
    I = 2 \text{ A}

Answer

I = 2 \text{ A}
Electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge. One ampere means one coulomb of charge passes a point per second.

Example 2

medium
A current of 0.5 \text{ A} flows through a lamp for 2 \text{ minutes}. How much charge passes through the lamp?

Practice Problems

Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.

Example 1

easy
How long does it take for 15 \text{ C} of charge to flow through a circuit with a current of 3 \text{ A}?

Example 2

medium
A phone charger delivers a steady current of 2.0 \text{ A} for 30 \text{ minutes}. How much total electric charge flows through the cable?

Background Knowledge

These ideas may be useful before you work through the harder examples.

electric charge