In what unit is electric current measured?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 2 Physics Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Electric current is measured in amperes, which is defined as the flow of electric charge. To understand why the correct answer is Coulombs per second, it's important to consider the fundamental definition of electric current.

Current is the rate at which charge flows through a conductor. Specifically, one ampere is equal to one coulomb of charge passing through a point in a circuit in one second. This means that if you have a flow of charge that amounts to one coulomb in one second, that constitutes a current of one ampere.

The other units mentioned (volts, ohms, and watts) refer to different electrical concepts. Volts measure electrical potential difference, ohms measure resistance, and watts measure power. Thus, while these units are essential in understanding electrical systems, they do not represent the flow of electric charge, which is quantified in coulombs per second.

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