Sähkövirtus

Sähkövirtus is a Finnish term that translates to "electric current" in English. It refers to the flow of electric charge, typically electrons, through a conductor. This flow is driven by a potential difference, also known as voltage, which creates an electric field that pushes the charges. The unit of measurement for electric current is the ampere (A), named after the French physicist André-Marie Ampère.

Electric current can be categorized into two main types: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). In DC, the electric charge flows consistently in one direction. Batteries and solar cells produce DC. In AC, the direction of the electric charge flow periodically reverses. This is the type of current that is commonly supplied by power grids for household and industrial use.

The relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in an electrical circuit is described by Ohm's Law, which states that V = IR. Resistance is a measure of how much a material opposes the flow of electric current. Conductors, such as copper and aluminum, have low resistance, allowing current to flow easily. Insulators, like rubber and plastic, have high resistance and are used to prevent current from flowing. Electric current is fundamental to many technologies, powering everything from simple light bulbs to complex electronic devices.