Why is ''I'' the Abbreviation for Current?

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Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=4766
Printed Date: August 22, 2025 at 10:29 PM

Topic: Why is ''I'' the Abbreviation for Current?

Posted By: natay_P
Subject: Why is ''I'' the Abbreviation for Current?
Date Posted: October 24, 2002 at 9:24 AM

Hi, My names Natalie Im 14 and I typing with a little problem. In a recent Science class we have being doing electric circuits. The code for Circuits in 'I'', do you know why this is? I understand I means Current measured in amperes but why do they abbreviate it I. Theres a bit of a competition to find it out, because the teachers do not even know. I have no idea weather you will know or not but there is no harm asking.

All the best,

Natalie

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Natay_P

Replies:

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: October 25, 2002 at 10:11 AM

That was interesting !! I learned alot trying to find this information...but here it is. try not to sound too proud when you bring this information to class:

1820	André-Marie Ampère develops a mathematical theory inspired by Oersted's observations. In his publication several years later, Ampère uses the symbol i for "intensité de current", making j the symbol for &root;-1 for electrical engineers.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Posted By: go2pac
Date Posted: October 25, 2002 at 3:59 PM

Since my books are boxed up i had to look online, heres what i found...

https://ohmslaw.com/ohmslaw.htm

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Karl

Pacific Accessory Corporation
Mobile Audio Interfacing Equipment
Connecting You to Your Music Since 1976