Understand Why Current Is Defined as a Scalar

[hasan_researc]

Homework Statement

Why has current been defined to be a scalar?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

No idea whatsoever!

 

[Eynstone]

Current density , as you know, is a vector. Current flowing across a fixed piece of surface is the integral of the current density over the surface(=(int)J.dA). Thus,the current is a scalar (but may depend on time).

 

[hikaru1221]

Because it is defined as the number of charges moving through the cross-sectional area of the wire per time unit.