What is electric current?

Electric current is defined as the flow of electric charge, which typically occurs in a conductor such as a wire when a potential difference (voltage) is applied. The charge that primarily moves in a circuit is usually carried by electrons, which are negatively charged particles. When we say that current is a "moving flow of charge," it encapsulates the essence of how current operates in electrical circuits.

In a practical sense, electric current is measured in amperes (A), which quantify the amount of charge passing through a point in the circuit per unit of time. Understanding that current is essentially the movement of charged particles helps to clarify how electrical circuits function, facilitating the operation of devices and appliances we rely on.

The option that describes electric current accurately highlights the dynamic aspect of charge movement, distinguishing it from static scenarios or the inherent characteristics of voltage. It is this continuous movement of charge that enables the transfer of energy in electrical systems, making it a foundational concept in electricity and electronics.