1. Current and Voltage part 1
Lesson 6

2. Current and Voltage
The terms Current and Voltage are often used when talking about electric circuits but what do the terms really mean?

3. Current and Voltage
You cannot see current or voltage directly. The example of water in a pressurized pipe can help you understand how to use these terms.

4. Voltage
Voltage is the electrical force, or "pressure", that causes current to flow in a circuit. Take a look at the diagram.  Voltage would be the force that is pushing the water (electrons) forward. If the water pressure is increased, more water will flow through the pipe with more energy.

5. Voltage

6. Current
Current is the movement of electrical charge. The flow of electrons through the electronic circuit.  Current would be the flow of water moving through the tube (wire). If the size of pipe is increased more water will flow through it.

7. Current

8. Current in a Circuit
In a circuit, electric current flows through the conductor. Some circuits have a high current. Other circuits have a low current.
Electric current is measured amperes (A). You can measure current using an ammeter or a multi-meter.

9. Current in a Circuit
The current flowing into a load is always equal to the current flowing out of a load.
You can compare this to water flowing past a water wheel. The amount of water in the pipe before the wheel is equal to the amount of water in the pipe after the wheel.

10. An ammeter measures current through part of a circuit
An ammeter measures current through part of a circuit. If you are using a multi-meter to measure current, your circuit diagram shows the multi-meter as an ammeter. A

11. Measuring Current in a Circuit
Set up the lab shown in the diagrams and explanation