Life in the 21st century is largely dependent on technology, as well as electricity that powers the tech. Each of these devices which we use in our day to day life needs current to work. You’ll notice a current and voltage rating on any electronic device you purchase.

In this article, we will be talking about the two primary units of electricity Electromotiveforce (voltage) and current (amperes). Reading the definition of these two fundamental units can be a little overwhelming, we will try to make them more straightforward by using real-life analogies. This will help you get a better understanding of the energy that powers all the devices without which one can not sustain as well as the difference between volts and amps.

Volts and Amps compared

So let us start by going with a very simple analogy first. So you probably have a water tank at home that sends water all around the house. This water tank is analogous to a battery that gives life to all electronic devices. When you open a tap at a lower height concerning the height of the tank, water flows through the pipes. The water flowing through the pipes is similar to the current in the wires.

Water flows in the pipes due to the potential energy stored in the water tank due to its height. In the case of electronic devices, current flows due to chemical energy inside the battery. Instead of moving water, this chemical energy moves electrons in wires.

This movement of electrons in a wire is known as current, and the SI unit for the same is amperes. ‘A’ is the symbol that denotes amperes and is measured using an ammeter. The energy stored in the battery which moves these electrons is known as electromotive force and is measured using its SI unit volt.

Both current and voltage are related by the famous Ohms law which states the expression V=I*R. Here V is the potential difference in volts, and I is the current in amperes. R represents the resistance offered to this moving charge in any material.

Also read: What is the difference between AC and DC?