Question

Name any two effects of electric current.

Answer 1

Hint: Electric current has many effects that one can witness throughout the day. A light bulb is extremely hot just after it has been turned off (Heating Effect). Our watches, phones, cars, etc. All have electric batteries in them (Chemical Effect). Similarly, the effects of electric current can be witnessed in day to day life and be mentioned as well as explained here.

Complete step-by-step answer:
An electric current is defined as the rate of flow of electric charge across a point or region. An electric current is said to exist when there is a net flow of electric charge through a region. It is carried by charged particles, so electric current can also be defined as a flow of charged particles.
Current is usually denoted by the symbol I.
$\eqalign{
  & Current = \dfrac{{{\text{Charge }}\left( {\text{C}} \right)}}{{{\text{Time }}\left( s \right)}} \cr
  & {\text{or }}I = \dfrac{Q}{t} \cr} $
The SI unit of electric current is the ampere or amp, denoted by A.
 One ampere is the flow of electric charge across a surface at the rate of one coulomb per second.
Mathematically,
$1{\text{ Ampere = }}\dfrac{{1{\text{ Coulomb}}}}{{1{\text{ second}}}}$
 Electric current is measured using a device called an ammeter.

Two effects of electric current are:
Electromagnetic effect
Heating effect
Electromagnetic Effect: The magnetic effect of electric current is known as electromagnetic effect. One can easily observe this phenomenon by bringing near a current carrying conductor to a compass needle. When the current carrying wire is brought close to the magnet it affects the magnetised needle of the magnet. This effect can be seen in the form of deflection of a needle. As the needle itself is magnetised, its deflection is only possible in the presence of an external magnetic field. Thus flowing current produces magnetic fields.

Heating Effect: When electric current flows through a conductor, heat energy is generated in the conductor. This phenomenon can be easily observed by touching a recently turned off light bulb. One will find the light bulb extremely hot.

Note: Students can also choose to define and describe the Chemical Effect of electric current here as well instead of any one among the two mentioned ones. Chemical Effect of electric current can be defined as the passage of an electric current through a conducting liquid that causes chemical reactions. Examples for the same can be primary and secondary battery cells.