What is the unit of electrical current?

The unit of electrical current is the ampere, commonly referred to as "amp." An ampere measures the flow of electric charge in a circuit. It defines the amount of charge that passes through a conductor over a specified period. When discussing electrical systems, understanding current measurement is crucial because it directly relates to the ability of wires and components to handle electrical loads safely and efficiently.

The other options represent different electrical parameters: a watt is a measure of electrical power, indicating the rate of energy transfer; a volt measures electrical potential or voltage, which is the force that drives current through a circuit; and a lumen quantifies the amount of visible light emitted by a source. This distinction clarifies that while all these terms are related to electricity and lighting, only "amp" accurately defines the unit of electrical current.