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The charge, current and time equation

Current is the rate of flow of charge, so the charge, measured in coulombs, that moves depends on the current and on how long it flows. The equation is: charge (coulomb, C) = current (ampere, A) × time (second, s), or Q = I × t.

The time must be in seconds. If it is given in minutes, multiply by 60 first. For example, a current of 3 A for 20 s moves 3 × 20 = 60 C. A current of 5 A for 2 minutes means t = 120 s, so the charge is 5 × 120 = 600 C.

You can rearrange the equation. Current = charge ÷ time (I = Q ÷ t), and time = charge ÷ current (t = Q ÷ I). For example, if 12 C passes a point in 4 s, the current is 12 ÷ 4 = 3 A.

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