Electric current is a scalar quantity. Any physical quantity is termed as a vector quantity when the quantity has magnitude and direction. But there are other factors that determine the quantity as vector or scalar quantity. If the physical quantity obeys the laws of vector addition such as triangle law of vector addition and parallelogram law of vector addition, then the quantity is said to be a vector quantity.

In the case of electric current, when two currents meet at a junction, the resultant current of these will be an algebraic sum and not the vector sum. Therefore, an electric current is a scalar quantity although it possesses magnitude and direction.

Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. It is a fundamental concept in electrical engineering and is measured in amperes (A). However, electric current is neither a scalar nor a vector quantity. Let's find out why.



A scalar quantity is a physical quantity that has only magnitude and no direction. Examples of scalar quantities include speed, mass, temperature, and time. When we measure such quantities, we only need to specify their numerical values, and we don't have to worry about their direction.

Electric current, on the other hand, has both magnitude and direction. The direction of the current flow is determined by the movement of positive charges in the opposite direction of the electron flow. Therefore, electric current cannot be a scalar quantity.



A vector quantity is a physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Examples of vector quantities include displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, and momentum. When we measure such quantities, we need to specify both their numerical values and their direction.

Electric current does have a direction, but it doesn't have a specific point of application or a unique line of action. This is because electric current is a bulk flow of charged particles, and the motion of these particles is not confined to a single path. Therefore, electric current cannot be a vector quantity.



In conclusion, electric current is neither a scalar nor a vector quantity. It is a physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction, but it does not have a specific point of application or a unique line of action. The concept of electric current is better represented as a scalar density or a vector field.