Voltage and current are the most commonly heard electrical terminology and are often mistaken as the same. However, both voltage and current have distinctive properties. Voltage is the force that provides electric current, while on the other hand, the current is the rate at which charge flows through a circuit. Understanding the difference between these two concepts is crucial for designing and analyzing electrical circuits and devices.

What is Voltage?

The required amount of energy to move the unit charge from one point to another is known as Voltage. In other words, Voltage is the potential difference force between two points in an electric field which causes current to flow in the circuit i.e. voltage is the main cause and current is the effect. 

Voltage is the effect of electromotive force (EMF) and is represented by the symbol V. The SI unit of voltage is “volt” which is also denoted by the symbol of “V”. A Volt is a potential difference that moves one joule of energy per coulomb charge between two points.

An alternating voltage is generated by alternators and they can change the voltage direction and its magnitude. Direct voltage is generated by electrochemical cells and batteries. It does not change the polarity of voltage but ensures it has a constant magnitude.

What is Current?

Current is the rate of charge flow (electrons) passing through a point in the circuit caused by the voltage. It is represented by the symbol “I”. 

1. The SI unit of current is ampere which is denoted by “A”.
2.  If a one-coulomb charge passes through a conducting point in one second, the amount of current is known as one ampere. 
3. 1 Ampere (1A) of current is the 6.24×1018 electrons charge carrier.

Alternating current tends to change the current direction and magnitude continuously throughout time. Direct current has a constant magnitude and it does not change its polarity. Both polarity and direction tend to remain the same throughout time.

Difference Between Voltage and Current

Conclusion

In summary, voltage and current are both essential concepts in understanding how electricity works. Voltage is the potential difference between two points in a circuit, while current is the flow of electric charge. Voltage and current are related through Ohm’s Law, which states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage applied across it, and vice versa.

FAQs

Q1. Determine the voltage.

Ans: Voltage, also known as electromotive force, is the amount of energy per unit charge. Voltage is defined as the difference in electric potential between two places.

Q2. Define the term “current.”

Ans: Current is simply the pace at which electric charge flows. In layman’s terms, the current is the rate at which electric charge flows in a circuit at a given place.

Q3. What exactly is electrical potential energy?

Ans: The total work done by an external agent in getting the charge or system of charges from infinity to the current configuration without any acceleration is referred to as the electric potential energy of any particular charge or system of charges.

Q4. What is the relation between voltage and current?

Ans: The relationship between the voltage, current, and resistance in an electric circuit is described by Ohm’s Law: i = v/r means the current is directly proportional to the voltage.