What does the term "current" refer to in an electrical circuit?

The term "current" in an electrical circuit specifically refers to the flow of electric charge, which is measured in amperes (A). In a circuit, current is produced when charge carriers, typically electrons, move through a conductor, such as a wire, due to the presence of a voltage difference. This flow of charge is essential for the functioning of electrical devices, as it allows the transmission of energy.

Understanding current is foundational in electrical theory because it directly relates to how electricity powers devices and comes into play when analyzing circuit behavior. It is different from voltage, which represents the potential difference that drives the current, and resistance, which opposes the flow of current. Energy dissipation as heat is also a separate phenomenon often related to the resistance in a circuit, but does not define current itself.