Current and charge

These activities will help students to relate the idea of current (as shown by an ammeter) to the idea of electric charge (more familiar from experiments in electrostatics). Electrolysis links these two by showing that, the greater the current that flows, and the longer it flows for, the greater the mass of material released.

Experiments

Series and branching circuits

Electrolysis of copper sulfate solution

Electrolysis of water and the concept of charge

Electric charge using capacitors

From galvanometer to ammeter

Related Guidance

Quantitative ideas in electricity

Electric current

Electric charge and current - a short history