The formula for current in an electrical circuit depends on the context. The most fundamental formula for electric current is:
\[ I = \frac{V}{R} \]
where:
- \( I \) is the electric current (in amperes, A),
- \( V \) is the voltage (in volts, V),
- \( R \) is the resistance (in ohms, Ω).
This formula is derived from Ohm's Law, which states that the current flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance of the conductor.
In a more general context, the current (\( I \)) can be expressed as:
\[ I = \frac{Q}{t} \]
where:
- \( Q \) is the electric charge (in coulombs, C),
- \( t \) is the time (in seconds, s).
This formula describes the current as the rate at which electric charge flows through a conductor.