We have seen that a coulomb is an enormous amount of
charge; it is virtually impossible to place a charge of 1 C on an object. Yet, a current of 10 A, 10 C is, is quite reasonable. Explain this apparent discrepancy

Question

We have seen that a coulomb is an enormous amount of
charge; it is virtually impossible to place a charge of 1 C on an object. Yet, a current of 10 A, 10 C is, is quite reasonable. Explain this apparent discrepancy

anonymous · Answer

Interesting question.. one i usually ask my students :D.. 

remember current = rate of flow of charges

so there are two ways to have big current
either charges are flowing FAST.. or there are A LOT OF Charges flowing through a cross section..

so in order to have 1 amp current i can either have
one 1C charge flowing in 1 second
or 1000 1mC charges flowing in 1 second
 hope that gives you the clue ;-)

anonymous · Answer

current (in amperes) = Anev
A (meter square)=area of cross section
n=charge density in the metal
e (coulombs)=electronic charge
v (m/s)=drift speed
n is enormous for conductors and flow of 1 A is no big deal for them.