Fundamental units: electric current is measured in which SI unit (identify the correct instrument-scale pairing)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: amperes

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Knowing the base SI units for electrical quantities is essential for interpreting datasheets and equations. Electric current is one of the seven SI base quantities and appears throughout circuit analysis and electromagnetism.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We need the SI unit of electric current.
  • Options include units of power, voltage, inductance, and current.


Concept / Approach:

Electric current measures the rate of flow of electric charge and is symbolized by I. The SI base unit is the ampere (A). Instruments such as ammeters and multimeters measure current directly or indirectly (via shunt resistors and voltage drop measurements).


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify each option's domain: watt (power), volt (electric potential), henry (inductance), ampere (current).Select the base unit for current: ampere.


Verification / Alternative check:

Dimensional relations confirm: power P in watts equals V * I; rearranging shows I measured in amperes.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Watts measure power, volts measure potential difference, and henries measure inductance, not current.


Common Pitfalls:

Confusing current with voltage because both are read on a multimeter; forgetting that ampere is a base unit whereas watt is derived.


Final Answer:

amperes

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