amps

Amps, short for amperes, denote the SI unit of electric current. An ampere is the constant flow of electric charge; by definition, 1 ampere corresponds to 1 coulomb of charge passing a point per second. In practical terms, current is the rate at which charges move through a conductor under an applied voltage. The unit is denoted by the symbol A. The ampere is linked to voltage and resistance by Ohm's law, I = V/R, and to power by P = VI; larger currents carry more charge per unit time, and safety standards define limits for wiring and devices.

Measurement and practical use: Currents are measured with ammeters. In circuits, currents are often in milliamperes (mA) or kiloamperes (kA). Household circuits typically carry tens of amperes. Instruments include multimeters and clamp meters. Safety: high currents can cause heating, damage insulation, and present shock hazards; overcurrent protection uses fuses or circuit breakers.

Amps can also refer to amplifiers: "amp" is common shorthand for an electronic amplifier, a device that increases the amplitude or power of a signal. Audio amplifiers boost sound signals for loudspeakers; RF and video amplifiers boost radio-frequency or video signals. Amplifiers are classified into classes (A, B, AB, D) by conduction angle and efficiency.