An electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conducting material such as a metal wire. The charge is usually carried by electrons, which move from one atom to another in the material.
When an electric current passes through a material, the electrons collide with the atoms and molecules in the material, causing them to vibrate and generate heat. This is known as Joule heating, and it occurs due to the resistance of the material to the flow of electrons. The greater the resistance of the material, the more heat is generated. This is why items, such as light bulbs or appliances, can become hot when a current is passing through them.
Describe what an electric current is.
Why do items get hot when a current is passing through?
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