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Definition of one ampere

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 34 of 41 on Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics. ACS element AM.I.A.K11 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONOne ampere of current is equivalent to what?

  1. A1 coulomb of charge passing a point in 1 second
  2. B1 joule of energy converted each second
  3. C1 volt of potential difference across 1 ohm of resistance for 1 minute
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. 1 coulomb of charge passing a point in 1 second

  • A — correct The handbook defines one ampere as 1 coulomb of charge passing through a conductor in 1 second.
  • B — incorrect One joule per second is the definition of the watt, the unit of power, not the ampere.
  • C — incorrect Although 1 volt across 1 ohm produces 1 ampere, the ampere is defined by charge per second, not per minute.

BACKGROUND

Electrons in motion make up an electric current, and current is a measure of the rate at which charge flows through a conductor. It is expressed as I = Q/t, where Q is charge in coulombs and t is time. The SI unit of current is the ampere (A): one ampere is equivalent to 1 coulomb of charge passing through a conductor in 1 second. One coulomb of charge equals 6.28 billion electrons. The symbol used for current in formulas and on schematics is the capital letter I.

STUDY TIP

Link the units: coulomb per second is an ampere, joule per second is a watt.

KEY POINTS

  • Current = charge / time (I = Q/t).
  • 1 ampere = 1 coulomb per second.
  • The symbol for current is I.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch12 "Current"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.