Which unit is the base SI unit for electric current?

The base SI unit for electric current is the ampere. This unit is fundamental in the International System of Units (SI) and is defined as the flow of electric charge through a conductor. More precisely, one ampere is defined as the constant current that, if maintained in two straight parallel conductors of infinite length, with negligible circular cross-section and placed one meter apart in a vacuum, would produce a force equal to 2 × 10^-7 newtons per meter of length between them.

Understanding the distinction between the ampere and the other options is essential. The volt is the unit of electric potential difference, the watt is the unit of power, and the ohm is the unit of electrical resistance. While these units are related to electricity, they describe different electrical properties, and therefore they do not serve as the base unit for electric current. The ampere stands alone as the definitive measure of current, making it a core concept in electrical engineering and physics.