Electric current is the flow of charge and is defined as I = ∆Q/∆t. It is measured in coulombs per second, which is more commonly called an Ampere (A).
Solution:
I = ∆Q/∆t = 1.30A = (1.30C/s) x (1 electron/1.60x10⁻¹⁹C) = 8.13x10¹⁸ electrons/s
Protons carry an electric charge of e = 1.60x10⁻¹⁹C; electrons carry charge of -e.
The term “electric current” is used to describe the charge per unit time that flows through a region.
In cgs units, current is measured in esu/sec, naturally enough. In SI units, current is measured in Coulombs/sec, which is given the name Ampere (or amp).
It is very important to know how to convert between these units! Amps are used to describe currents FAR more often than esu/sec: 1 ampere = 2.998 × 109 esu/sec.
To learn more, see this information guide: Current, Continuity Equation, Resistance, Ohm’s Law from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Physics.