Electric Current
Definition:
Electric current is a noun that refers to the flow of electricity through a material, often a wire. Think of it like water flowing through a pipe. The strength of the electric current is measured in units called amperes (often shortened to "amps").
Usage Instructions:
- You can use "electric current" in sentences when talking about electricity, science, or engineering. - It often appears in discussions about how devices work or how electricity travels.
Example Sentence:
"The light bulb turned on when the electric current flowed through the wires."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced discussions, you might hear about different types of electric current: - Direct Current (DC): This is a type of electric current that flows in one direction, like the power from batteries. - Alternating Current (AC): This is a type of electric current that changes direction periodically, like the power from electrical outlets in homes.
Word Variants:
- Current (noun): Sometimes, the word "current" can be used on its own to refer to electric current without the "electric" part, but context is important. - Current (adjective): The term can also be used in phrases like "current events," which means things that are happening now, but this is unrelated to electricity.
Different Meanings:
- "Current" can also mean something that is happening now (e.g., "The current situation is challenging."). - In a river or ocean, "current" refers to the flow of water.
Synonyms:
- Flow of electricity - Electric flow
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While "electric current" itself does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs, here are related phrases: - "Go with the flow": This idiom means to accept a situation as it is and not try to change it, similar to how water flows naturally. - "Current events": Refers to news happenings or updates in the world.