Difference Between Electric Current and Electric Charge

What Is the Difference Between Electric Current and Electric Charge? . Electricity is a cornerstone of modern life, powering everything from household appliances to industrial machinery. However, understanding the core concepts of current and charge is essential to grasp the principles of electricity. These terms are often confused but represent distinct phenomena in physics.

current and charge are the two most fundamental electrical quantities in any electric circuit. The major difference between current and charge is that the charge is the subatomic property of all the materials in nature, while the electric current is the direct flow of electric charge in an electric circuit. There are several other noticeable differences between charge and current which we are going to highlight in this article.

Let’s start with some basics of charge and current so that it becomes easy to understand the differences between them.

Read More : Current vs. Voltage

What is Electric Charge?

charge or simply charge is the property of subatomic particles of substances by virtue of which the substances exhibit the electrical behavior. It is denoted by symbol ‘Q’ or ‘q’ and is measured in coulombs (C).

Charge is the universal property of all the matter because every matter in the nature is composed minute particles called atoms. An atom, in turn, is made of three major subatomic particles – electrons, protons and neutrons.

Electrons and protons carry a certain amount charge which is equal in magnitude but having opposite polarity. Where, an electron carries a negative charge of 1.6 × 10-19 C, while a proton carries a positive charge of the same magnitude as that of electronic charge. Hence, we can classify the charge in two types, i.e. negative charge and positive charge.

charge has different properties, where the most significant one is the nature of force acting between them. This property of electric charge states that the like charges (i.e. positivepositive and negative-negative) repel each other while the unlike charge (positive-negative) attract each other.

For the charges, the law of conservation charge is also established which states that the charge can neither be created nor destroyed, i.e. the total charge of a system remains constant.

Depending on the movement of charge it can be of two types namely static charge and moving charge. The static charge remains stationary on a surface as in case of electrostatics and results in the existence of electric field, on the other hand, the moving or dynamic charge is the one which moves from one point to another and results in electric field as well as magnetic field. The electric charge is the primary factor due to which the current flows in a circuit.

Read More : Short Circuit Currents and Symmetrical Components

The deficiency or excess of electrons on a mater is known is the charge. The representative formula of charge is follow:

Q = It … or

Q = en

Where:

• Q = Charge in Coulombs
• I = Current in amperes
• t = time in seconds
• e = number of electrons or proton
• n = charge of one election or proton

The representative symbol of charge is “Q” and measuring unit is Coulomb expressed by “C” where one Coulomb:

• Charge of 6.24 x 10¹⁸ electrons = 1C = One Coulomb

or

One Coulomb is the one ampere current per second i.e. The amount of charge which can move by an ampere current from one point to another in one second of time is equal to one coulomb.

or

One Coulomb is the amount of charge when placed in an electric field of one volt per meter (1V/m), then one newton of force will be exerted on it.

• A single electron has -1.602 x 10^-19 Coulombs of charge
• A single proton has 1.602 x10^-19 Coulombs of charges

Same charges repel each other while unlike charges attract i.e.

• Elections to elections = repulsion
• Protons to protons = repulsion
• Electrons to protons= attraction

The force of attraction or repulsion between two charged particles placed in a distance of “r” can be calculated by Coulomb’s law:

F = K (Q1 Q2 / r2 )

Where:

• F = Force in Newtons
• K = Constant = 8.99×10⁹ m F^-1.
• Q1 = First charged particle
• Q2 = Second charged particle
• r = Distance between two charged particles in meters.

There are three types of charges.

• Negative Charge: The excess of electrons on the body surface is known as negatively charged mater (excess of electrons which mostly in the lower and outer bands or shell of atom or molecule).
• Positive Charge: The deficiency of electrons on the body surface is called the positively charged mater (excess of protons which mostly in the nucleolus of atoms).
• Neutral = Equal amount of electrons and protons on a particle makes it neutral (Neutrons found in the nucleolus of atom).

Read More : What is the Current in Ammeter Connected in Parallel?

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What is Electric Current?

current is the rate of flow of charge (generally electrons) caused by potential difference (voltage). Current is represented by the symbol of “I” and measured in amperes expressed by the symbol of “A”.

When voltage or EMF applied across a conductor, there is a potential difference which moves the vast amount of electrons through it.

Current is a physical quantity which can be measured by the following formula:

I = Q / t … (in Amperes)

Where:

• I = Current in Amperes
• Q = Charge in Coulombs
• t = Time in Seconds

There are two basic types of currents i.e.

• AC Current: Flow of charge or elections with changing direction and magnitude.
• DC Current: Flow of charge or elections in one direction with constant magnitude.

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Main Difference Between Charge and Current

charge and current are related quantities but they are different from each other.

The main difference between current and charge:

• Current: It is the rate of flow of charge (generally electrons). Current (I) is the physical quantity measured in amperes (A).
• Charge: It is the deficiency or excess of electrons on a body surface. Charge (Q) is the physical property of matter measured in Coulombs (C).

Read More : How to Measure Current Using Multimeter: The Ultimate Guide

Difference between Charge and Current

The following table highlights all the key differences between current and electric charge

Difference between	Electric Charge	Electric Current
Definition	Electric charge is the property of subatomic particles of matter by which it exhibits electric behavior.	The rate of flow of electric charge in a specific direction is known as electric current.
Denotation	Electric charge is denoted by symbols ‘Q’ or ‘q’.	Electric current is denoted by symbols ‘i’ or ‘I’.
Formula	Electric charge is given by, Q = It … orQ = en	Electric current is given by, I = Q/tI = dQ / dt
SI Unit	The SI unit of charge is Coulomb (C).	The SI unit of electric current is Ampere (A).
Types	Electric charge is of two types namely, positive charge and negative charge.	Electric current is of two types namely, constant current and timevarying current.
Particles	charge is due to electrons and protons. The electron carries a negative charge, while proton carries positive charge.	Electric current is due to flow of electrons.
Law of conservation	The law of conservation of charge states that charge can neither be created nor destroyed.	The law of conservation of current is not stated.
Effects	Electric charges show the electric effect when static, and electric as well as magnetic effects when moving.	Electric current shows the heating effect, magnetic effect, electric effect, etc.
Measuring instrument	charge is measured by using an electrometer.	Electric current is measured by using an ammeter (ampere-meter).

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Applications of Electric Current and Electric Charge

Electric Current in Daily Life

current powers lights, appliances, and electronic devices. It is also crucial in industries for running machinery and generating heat or motion.

Importance of Charge in Electronics

Electric charge is fundamental to the operation of semiconductors, capacitors, and batteries. These components store and manipulate charge to perform essential functions in electronic devices.

Read More : What Is the Difference Between Overcurrent, Overload, and Overvoltage?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Electric Charge Made Of?

Electric charge originates from subatomic particles like electrons and protons. Electrons carry a negative charge, while protons carry a positive charge.

Can Current Exist Without Electric Charge?

No, current is the movement of charges. Without charge, there can be no current.

Why Is the Flow of Electrons Called Current?

current is defined as the rate of charge flow. Since electrons are the primary charge carriers in most materials, their movement constitutes current.

How Is Current Measured in a Circuit?

current is measured using an ammeter connected in series with the circuit.

Related Topics

• Current vs. Voltage

• Short Circuit Currents and Symmetrical Components

• What is the Current in Ammeter Connected in Parallel?

• Voltage Source Inverter vs. Current Source Inverter

• How to Measure Current Using Multimeter: The Ultimate Guide

• What Is the Difference Between Overcurrent, Overload, and Overvoltage?

• Ohms Law in Electrical Engineering: A Complete Guide to Voltage, Current, and Resistance

• What Is the Current in an Ampere Meter?

• What Is a Current Transformer (CT)? A Complete Guide to Understanding CTs in Electrical Systems