Explain why a complete circuit is necessary for a nonzero current to exist First let us define what current is. CURRENT is the rate of flow of charge. It is, on a more specific definition, the CHARGE PER UNIT TIME or Current = charge / time I = Q / t which is expressed in the unit of Ampere (A) named after the French Physicist and Mathematician André-Marie Ampère. Where can we typically find an electric current? In on our homes, we can find it on a COMPLETE CIRCUIT which consists of a source, a load, and a wire (sometimes also include a switch for more specific one). When all the parts of a complete circuit are connected among each other, the current flows from the source, through the wires, and then to the load which consumes the energy and then back to the source. If one among the parts are lost or are removed, then the circuit is not complete or simply not closed. If the circuit is not complete, then the current cannot flow anywhere. Why is this so? That is, current can only