What do amps measure?

Amps, or amperes, measure the strength or intensity of an electric current flowing through a circuit. When we refer to the strength of a current, we are discussing how many electrons are passing through a point in the circuit in a given amount of time. This is a fundamental concept in understanding how electrical systems operate, as it directly relates to the flow of electricity that powers devices.

For a broader context, resistance, measured in ohms, pertains to how much a component impedes the flow of current. Voltage, measured in volts, indicates the potential difference that drives the current through the circuit, while power consumption in watts is a measure of how much energy is used over time, which can be derived from both current and voltage. Thus, the definition of amps is intrinsically tied to the concept of current strength, making it critical for understanding electrical systems.