The difference between voltage and current is explained here in detail. The current and voltage difference is one of the most commonly asked questions in the topic electricity in physics. The difference between volts and amps given here can help the students to understand the basics better and know their comparisons thoroughly.
Before learning about the voltage and current difference, it is crucial to know the details of the voltage and current thoroughly. Visit the below-given links to learn about voltage and current in detail along with other information.
Difference between Voltage and Current
| Sl. No. | Differentiating Property | Voltage | Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Definition | Voltage, also called electromotive force, is simply the energy per unit charge. In other words, voltage is the difference in electric potential between two points. | Current is just the rate of flow of electric charge. In simple words, the current is the rate at which electric charge flows in a circuit at a particular point. |
| 2 | Unit | The SI unit of voltage is Volts (V).
Note: 1 Volt= 1 Joule/coulomb. |
The SI unit of current is Ampere (A).
Note: 1 Ampere = 1 coulomb/second. |
| 3 | Denotation | Voltage is denoted by “V”. | Current is denoted by “I”. |
| 4 | Measuring Instrument | Voltage can be measured by using a Voltmeter. | Current can be measured by using an Ammeter. |
| 5 | Inter-relation | Voltage is the cause of the current. | Current is the effect of the voltage i.e. current cannot flow without voltage. |
| 6 | Formula | One of the formulae to calculate voltage is:
V= Work done/Charge |
One of the formulae to calculate current is:
I= Charge/ Time |
| 7 | Loss | The loss of voltage occurs due to impedance. | The loss of current occurs due to the passive elements. |
| 8 | Field Created | Voltage creates an electrostatic field. | Current creates a magnetic field. |
| 9 | Change in a Series Connection | In a series connection, voltage changes i.e. it gets distributed over all the components. | In a series connection, the current remains the same through all the components. |
| 10 | Change in a Parallel Connection | In a parallel connection, the voltage remains the same across all the components. | In a parallel connection, current changes, i.e., gets distributed over all components. |
These were the main differences between voltage and current. These current and voltage differences can help the students to know about this topic in detail and be able to answer any related questions easily in the exams.
Apart from these voltage and current differences, students can also check the article given below to know more about the related topics. These linked articles can help the students to learn topics like current and voltage formula, EMF, etc. in a detailed way.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Define voltage.
Define current.
What is electric potential energy?
Define 1 Ampere.
What happens to the current when voltage is increased?
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