CBSE Class 10 Answered
In a metallic conductor such as a copper wire, there are plenty of free electrons moving around, colliding with each other and moving randomly.
When a potential difference is applied or set up across the two terminal of the copper wire, free electrons move in specific direction and when say a electric currrent is flowing through it.
Voltage is short term for potential difference.
So we can differentiate with following points.
1/ Electric current is charge flowing per unit time, I = Q/t, while potential difference = Difference between potentials between two points/terminals. Potential = Electric Potential Energy/Charge.
2/ The SI unit of electric current is Ampere, abbreviated as A, while the SI unit of potential difference is J/C which is called volts, abbreviated as V.
3/ Electric Current is a base quantity, while potential difference is derived.
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