Difference Between Charge & Current

The most significant difference between the charge and the current is that the charge is the physical property of matter, whereas the current is the rate of flow of charges. Some other differences between charge and current are explained below in the tabular form.

The electric charge is the physical property of matter which experiences the force when placed in an electric field. It is of three types positive, negative and neutral. When these charges (generally electrons) move in the particular direction its generate current. And this current is used for illumination and mechanical works.

Content: Charge Vs Current

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis For Comparison	Charge	Current
Definition	It is a physical property of particles which allow them to interact with each other.	It is the rate of flow of charge particles (generally electrons).
Force	Experience force only in electric field.	Experience force both in electrical and magnetic field
Unit	Coulombs (C)	Amperes (A)

Definition of charge

The charge is the fundamental property of particles (ion, atom and molecules) which allows them to attract and repulse with each other when it is placed in an electrical field. The charge on the particles is of three types positive, negative and neutral. The positive charge particle is known as a proton and the negative charge particle is known as the electron. The particle which has an equal number of negative and positive charges is known as the neutrons.

The charge is measured in coulombs. The one proton has 1.602X10^-19 Coulombs of charges and the one electron is equal to -1.602X10^-19  Coulombs. The charge particle experience forces when it is placed in an electromagnetic field. The like charge particle repulses each other and the opposite charge particle attracts each other.

Definition of Current

The flow of electrons is known as the current. It is a physical quantity which is measured and expressed mathematically. The conducting material has a large number of free electrons. When the voltage or emf is applied across the free electron, it starts moving and induces the current.

The electric current is of two type i.e., the AC and DC. In alternating current, the charges move in both the direction. And in direct current, it is moved only in one direction.

Conclusion

The current and charge both are interrelated to each other. The static particle has charge and the movement of charges is known as the current.