1. Direct Current A Direct Current (or DC) power supply moves electrons through the wire in ONE DIRECTION ONLY. For an electron to deliver its energy to the device being operated it must travel the full length of the circuit.

2. Alternating Current ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) means that the flow of electrons is not in the one direction, but is constantly reversed.

3. Measuring Current Scientists describe electrical current as the amount of charge that passes a point in a conducting wire per second. Current is measured by an Ammeter.

4. The symbol for current is I and the symbol for charge is Q. Time is represented by t. I = Q/t Current = Charge moving past a point / time »Charge is measured in Coloumbs (C). »Current is measured in Amperes (A). »Time is measured in seconds.

5. Question on Current What current flows if 5.00 C of charge passes a point in 10.0 seconds? I = ? Q= 5.00 C t = 10.0 s »I = Q/t »I = 5.00 /10.0 »I = 0.500 A

6. Another Question on Current If the current in a wire is 2.5 A, how much charge passes a point in 8.0 s. I = 2.5 A Q= ? t = 8.0 s »I = Q/t »2.5 = Q /8.0 »20 C = Q

7. Yet Another Question on Current If the current in a wire is 0.5 A, how long will it take for 0.25 C to flow through the wire? I = 0.5 A Q= 0.25 C t = ? »I = Q/t »0.5 = 0.25 /t »t = 0.5 s