Question

what is an electric current? what makes an electric current flow in a wire? ​

Answer 1

Motion of free electons per unit time called electric current .

Drift speed of electrons make electric current flow in a wire.

Answer 2

$\bold{ELECTRIC\:CURRENT\:OVERVIEW}$

Electric current is defined as the rate of flow of charges through any conductors. It is denoted by the letter "I". Its S.I. unit is Ampere (A).

We can say, I = Q/t, where I is electric current (in Ampere), Q is the charge (in Coulomb) and t is time (in seconds).

Now, if n electrons flow through a circuit such that charge on each electron is e, then, Q = ne

And hence, I = ne/t.

Now, the answer to your second question, "WHAT MAKES AN ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW THROUGH A WIRE?" will be somewhat with more accuracy and easily acceptable.

Potential difference between two known points in an electric field through any electrical conductors (say, a wire) makes electric current flow through it. If there is no potential difference, current will not flow.

Now, the fact which we should know is that current always flow from higher potential to lower potential.

[SIMILARITY : Like heat, which flows from a body at higher temperature to a body at lower temperature, electric current will also flow from higher potential to lower potential]