Voltage and current are two fundamental concepts in the field of electricity and electronics. They are closely related and together define the behavior of electric circuits. Here's a brief explanation of their relationship:
Voltage (V): Voltage, also known as electric potential difference, is a measure of the electric potential energy per unit charge between two points in an electric circuit. It's often compared to pressure in a fluid system. Voltage is measured in volts (V).
Current (I): Current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor or circuit. It's the rate at which electric charges (usually electrons) pass through a given cross-sectional area of the conductor. Current is measured in amperes (A) or simply amps.
The relationship between voltage and current is defined by Ohm's Law, which states:
Current (I) = Voltage (V) / Resistance (R)
In other words, the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage across it and inversely proportional to the resistance of the conductor. This relationship can also be rearranged to find voltage:
Voltage (V) = Current (I) * Resistance (R)
This relationship indicates that if you increase the voltage across a resistor while keeping the resistance constant, the current will increase. Conversely, if you increase the resistance while keeping the voltage constant, the current will decrease.
In summary, voltage and current are related through Ohm's Law, which describes how the current flowing through a conductor is influenced by the voltage applied and the resistance of the conductor. This relationship is a fundamental principle in understanding and designing electrical circuits.