What does an electrical current consist of?

An electrical current is defined as the flow of electric charge, primarily through a conductor such as a wire. This flow is predominantly carried by electrons, which are negatively charged particles that move due to an electric potential difference (voltage) across the conductor. When the voltage is applied, it creates an electric field that pushes the electrons, resulting in the movement of current. This is a fundamental concept in electricity, as understanding the flow of electrons is crucial for analyzing electrical circuits and their behavior.

Other options, while related to electricity in some way, do not accurately describe what electrical current consists of. Electromagnetic waves relate more to the propagation of energy rather than the actual flow of current through a conductor. Static charges on a surface pertain to imbalances in electric charge but do not involve the continuous flow of electrons characteristic of electrical currents. Heat generated by friction is a separate phenomenon that can occur in electrical systems but does not constitute the current itself. Thus, the movement of electrons through a conductor is the defining characteristic of electrical current.