Electric current
Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) · Unit 4: Electricity and magnetism · 12 flashcards
Electric current is topic 4.2.2 in the Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) syllabus , positioned in Unit 4 — Electricity and magnetism , alongside Simple phenomena of magnetism, Electric charge and Electromotive force and potential difference. In one line: Electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge. It is the amount of charge passing a point in a circuit per unit time. Current is measured in Amperes (A).
This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical).
The deck below contains 12 flashcards — 4 definitions — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 4 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.
Electric current in terms of the flow of charge
Electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge. It is the amount of charge passing a point in a circuit per unit time. Current is measured in Amperes (A).
What the Cambridge 0625 syllabus says
Official 2026-2028 specThese are the exact learning objectives Cambridge sets for this topic. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks.
- Know Know that electric current is related to the flow of charge
- Describe Describe the use of ammeters (analogue and digital) with different ranges
- Describe Describe electrical conduction in metals in terms of the movement of free electrons
- Know Know the difference between direct current (d.c.) and alternating current (a.c.)
- Define Define electric current as the charge passing a point per unit time; recall and use the equation I = Q/t Supplement
- State State that conventional current is from positive to negative and that the flow of free electrons is from negative to positive Supplement
Define electric current in terms of the flow of charge.
Electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge. It is the amount of charge passing a point in a circuit per unit time. Current is measured in Amperes (A).
A current of 3.5 A flows through a wire. State what this indicates about the amount of charge moving through the wire per second.
This indicates that 3.5 Coulombs of charge are passing through any point in the wire every second. One Ampere is equivalent to one Coulomb per second.
Describe how you would use an analogue ammeter with a range of 0-5A to measure the current flowing through a lamp in a circuit.
1. Connect the ammeter in series with the lamp.
2. Ensure the ammeter is connected with the correct polarity (+ to + and - to -).
3. Read the current value from the scale, noting the units (Amperes or A).
State two differences between using an analogue ammeter and a digital ammeter to measure current in a circuit.
1. An analogue ammeter displays the current using a needle on a scale, whereas a digital ammeter displays the current as a numerical value on a screen.
2. A digital ammeter may have autoranging capability, while an analogue ammeter requires the user to select the appropriate range manually to avoid damaging the meter or getting inaccurate readings.
Describe how electrical conduction occurs in a metal wire.
In a metal, electrons are not bound to individual atoms but are free to move throughout the metallic structure. When a potential difference (voltage) is applied across the wire, these free electrons experience an electric force, causing them to drift in a specific direction. This directed movement of free electrons constitutes an electric current.
State what particles are responsible for electrical conduction in metals.
Free electrons are responsible for electrical conduction in metals. These are electrons that are not bound to individual atoms and can move freely throughout the metal's structure.
Define the difference between direct current (d.c.) and alternating current (a.c.).
Direct current (d.c.) flows in one direction only. Alternating current (a.c.) changes direction periodically.
State one common use of direct current (d.c.) and one common use of alternating current (a.c.).
d.c.: Powering a torch or mobile phone. a.c.: Powering household appliances such as a kettle or washing machine.
Define electric current. State the equation relating current, charge, and time, defining each symbol.
Electric current is defined as the rate of flow of electric charge. It is the amount of charge passing a point per unit time.
The equation is: I = Q/t
Where:
I = current (in Amperes, A)
Q = charge (in Coulombs, C)
t = time (in seconds, s)
A charge of 6.0 C passes through a point in a circuit in 3.0 s. Calculate the electric current at that point.
I = Q/t
I = 6.0 C / 3.0 s
I = 2.0 A
The electric current is 2.0 Amperes. This is the rate at which charge is flowing through the point.
State the direction of conventional current flow in a circuit.
Conventional current flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal.
Explain the difference between the direction of conventional current and the flow of free electrons in a copper wire within a circuit.
Conventional current is defined as flowing from positive to negative. However, free electrons, which are the charge carriers, actually flow from negative to positive. This is because electrons are negatively charged and are repelled by the negative terminal and attracted to the positive terminal.
Key Questions: Electric current
Define electric current in terms of the flow of charge.
Electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge. It is the amount of charge passing a point in a circuit per unit time. Current is measured in Amperes (A).
Define the difference between direct current (d.c.) and alternating current (a.c.).
Direct current (d.c.) flows in one direction only. Alternating current (a.c.) changes direction periodically.
Define electric current. State the equation relating current, charge, and time, defining each symbol.
Electric current is defined as the rate of flow of electric charge. It is the amount of charge passing a point per unit time.
The equation is: I = Q/t
Where:
I = current (in Amperes, A)
Q = charge (in Coulombs, C)
t = time (in seconds, s)
State the direction of conventional current flow in a circuit.
Conventional current flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal.
More topics in Unit 4 — Electricity and magnetism
Electric current sits alongside these Physics decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
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Key terms covered in this Electric current deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
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