Difference between Voltage and Current

Difference Between Voltage And Current

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.

Related Articles:

Current Electricity Electric Current Formula
Electric Current : The Flow Of Charge Electric Potential Formula
Electromotive Force Electric Potential : Point Charge & Multiple Charge System
EMF Formula Ohm’s Law

Why shouldn’t you touch electrical equipment with wet hands? Find out the answer to this question by watching the video.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

Define voltage.

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.
Q2

Define current.

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.
Q3

What is electric potential energy?

The electric potential energy of any given charge or system of changes is termed as the total work done by an external agent in bringing the charge or the system of charges from infinity to the present configuration without undergoing any acceleration.
Q4

Define 1 Ampere.

The SI unit of electric current is Ampere (A), 1 ampere is the amount of current when there is a flow of 1 coulomb of charge passing through a cross-section in 1 second.
Q5

What happens to the current when voltage is increased?

According to Ohm’s law, the law states that the electrical current, I, is proportional to the voltage, V and is inversely proportional to the resistance, R. Therefore, when voltage is increased, current also increases provided that the resistance in the circuit is maintained.

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