Current in a circuit is defined as the speed of flow of electrons through a circuit. It is measued in Amps, named after French scientist André-Marie Ampère.
In electronics, (usually Direct Current (D.C.) systems) this is viewed as electrons flowing from the negatively charged plate of a battery, through the circuit to the positively charged plate of a battery.
In Alternating Current (A.C.) electrical systems, it is often viewed as the Voltage flowing through the circuit from live (phase) to neutral or earth (ground).
The components within the circuit provide a resistance and the battery provides a voltage. Using these two measurable values with the Ohm's Law equations, we can calculate the current generated within a circuit.
The considerations for current in a circuit are as important as those for voltage, as too high a current flow can cause damage to the battery, circuit wiring or components.
Visit our page on Ohm's Law to see how maths can be applied to find out the current values of a circuit.