ARRL Technician Practice Exam

What is the name for the flow of electrons in an electric circuit?

1. Voltage

2. Resistance

3. Current

4. Power

The correct answer is: Current

The flow of electrons in an electric circuit is referred to as current. Current is a fundamental concept in electricity and describes the movement of electric charge through a conductor, such as a wire. This flow is measured in amperes (A), which quantifies how much charge is passing through a point in the circuit over a given amount of time. Understanding current is crucial for anyone working with electrical circuits as it directly affects the operation of devices and their energy consumption. Voltage, on the other hand, refers to the electric potential difference between two points, which drives the current through the circuit. Resistance is the opposition to the flow of current, while power quantifies the rate at which electrical energy is converted into another form, such as heat or light. Each of these other terms plays a significant role in the behavior of circuits, but current specifically defines the flow of electrons themselves.