Electric Current vs. Induced Current

Attribute	Electric Current	Induced Current
Definition	The flow of electric charge through a conductor	The current that is produced in a conductor by a changing magnetic field
Source	Generated by a voltage source such as a battery or generator	Generated by a changing magnetic field
Direction	Follows the direction of flow of positive charge	Induced in a direction that opposes the change in magnetic field
Causes	Caused by the movement of electrons in a conductor	Caused by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction
Applications	Used in electrical circuits to power devices	Used in transformers, generators, and inductors

Introduction

Electric current and induced current are two important concepts in the field of physics. While both involve the flow of electric charge, there are key differences between the two. In this article, we will explore the attributes of electric current and induced current, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Electric Current

Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. It is typically measured in amperes (A) and is defined as the rate of flow of electric charge past a given point in a circuit. Electric current can be either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). In a DC circuit, the flow of electric charge is constant and unidirectional, while in an AC circuit, the flow of electric charge changes direction periodically.

• Measured in amperes (A)
• Can be direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC)
• Flow of electric charge is constant in DC circuits
• Flow of electric charge changes direction periodically in AC circuits

Induced Current

Induced current, on the other hand, is the result of a changing magnetic field inducing an electric current in a conductor. This phenomenon is described by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. When a conductor is exposed to a changing magnetic field, an electromotive force (emf) is induced in the conductor, causing an electric current to flow. Induced current is commonly seen in devices such as generators and transformers.

• Result of a changing magnetic field inducing an electric current
• Described by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction
• Emf is induced in the conductor
• Commonly seen in generators and transformers

Similarities

While electric current and induced current have distinct characteristics, they also share some similarities. Both involve the flow of electric charge through a conductor, and both can be measured in amperes. Additionally, both electric current and induced current play crucial roles in various electrical devices and systems, contributing to the functioning of motors, generators, and other electrical components.

• Both involve the flow of electric charge through a conductor
• Both can be measured in amperes
• Both play crucial roles in electrical devices and systems

Differences

Despite their similarities, electric current and induced current have several key differences. Electric current is the result of a voltage source driving the flow of electric charge, while induced current is the result of a changing magnetic field inducing an electric current in a conductor. Electric current can be either DC or AC, while induced current is typically AC. Furthermore, electric current flows continuously in a circuit, whereas induced current is transient and occurs only when there is a change in the magnetic field.

• Electric current is driven by a voltage source, while induced current is induced by a changing magnetic field
• Electric current can be DC or AC, while induced current is typically AC
• Electric current flows continuously, while induced current is transient

Conclusion

In conclusion, electric current and induced current are fundamental concepts in the field of physics that play crucial roles in various electrical systems. While electric current is the result of a voltage source driving the flow of electric charge, induced current is the result of a changing magnetic field inducing an electric current in a conductor. Understanding the attributes of electric current and induced current is essential for designing and analyzing electrical circuits and devices.