Difference Between Voltage And Current

The difference between voltage and current is one of the most commonly asked questions from the electricity topic of physics. The difference between volts and amps given here can help the students to understand the basics better and know their comparisons thoroughly.

Voltage

• Voltage, also called electromotive force is simply the energy per unit charge. In other words, voltage is the difference in electric potential between two points.
• The SI unit of voltage is Volts (V). [Note: 1 Volt= 1 Joule/coulomb]
• Voltage is denoted by “V”.
• Voltage can be measured by using a Voltmeter.
• Voltage is the cause of the current.
• One of the formulas to calculate voltage is: V= Work done/Charge
• The loss of voltage occurs due to impedance.
• Voltage creates an electrostatic field.
• In a series connection, voltage changes i.e. it gets distributed over all the components.
• In a parallel connection, the voltage remains the same across all the components.

Current

• Current is just the rate of flow of electric charge. In simple words, the current is the rate at which electric charge flows in a circuit at a particular point.
• The SI unit of current is Ampere (A). [Note: 1 Ampere = 1 coulomb/second]
• Current is denoted by “I”.
• Current can be measured by using an Ammeter.
• Current is the effect of the voltage i.e. current cannot flow without voltage.
• One of the formulas to calculate current is:  I= Charge/ Time
• The loss of current occurs due to the passive elements.
• Current creates a magnetic field.
• In a series connection, the current remains the same through all the components.
• In a parallel connection, current changes i.e. it gets distributed over all components.

These were the main differences between voltage and current which help the students to be able to answer any related questions easily in the exams.