How is electric current defined in terms of charge and time?

Electric current is defined as the rate at which electric charge flows through a conductor. Mathematically, this is represented by the formula where current (I) equals charge (Q) divided by time (t). This relationship indicates that current measures how much charge passes a given point in a circuit per unit of time.

For example, if a certain amount of charge flows through a wire in a specific time period, the quotient of those two values gives the current. This is why the relationship is described as charge over time, emphasizing that current is not a product of charge and time, nor is it related to voltage and resistance, which pertain to Ohm's Law. Understanding this fundamental definition is crucial for comprehending how current operates within electrical circuits.