Define current.

Current is defined as the flow of electric charge in a circuit. It specifically measures how much charge passes a given point in the circuit over a specific period of time. The unit of measurement for electric current is the ampere, which represents one coulomb of charge passing through a point in one second.

The focus on amperes as the measurement for current highlights its nature as a flow of charge, distinguishing it from other electrical concepts. For example, volts measure electric potential, ohms indicate resistance, and watts are a measure of power, which is the rate of energy transfer. Understanding that current is quantified in amperes clarifies its fundamental role in electrical systems and circuits, making it essential knowledge in the study of electricity.