4.2.

7 Resistance
Ohm's Law

 Resistance is the opposition to current

o For a given potential difference, the higher the resistance, the lower the current
o Therefore, resistors are used in circuits to control the current
o The unit of resistance is the ohm, represented by the Greek symbol omega Ω

Ohm's Law

 The definition of resistance can be given using the equation

 Where
o R = resistance (ohms, Ω)
o V = potential difference (volts, V)
o I = current (amperes, A)

 Ohm's Law can be stated in words:

Current is directly proportional to potential difference as long as the temperature remains constant

Use the formula triangle to help you rearrange the equation

Consequences of Ohm's Law

 Resistors are used in circuits to control either

o The current in branches of the circuit (through certain components)
o The potential difference across certain components
 This is due to the consequences of Ohm's Law
o The current in an electrical conductor decreases as its resistance increases (for a constant p.d.)
o The p.d. across an electrical conductor increases as its resistance increases (for a constant current)

I-V Graphs for Ohmic Resistors, Filament Lamps & Diodes

 Resistance is the opposition to current

o For a given potential difference, the higher the resistance, the lower the current
o Therefore, resistors are used in circuits to control the current
o The unit of resistance is the ohm, represented by the Greek symbol omega Ω
Ohm's Law

 The definition of resistance can be given using the equation

 Where
o R = resistance (ohms, Ω)
o V = potential difference (volts, V)
o I = current (amperes, A)

 Ohm's Law can be stated in words:

Current is directly proportional to potential difference as long as the temperature remains constant

Use the formula triangle to help you rearrange the equation

Consequences of Ohm's Law

 Resistors are used in circuits to control either

o The current in branches of the circuit (through certain components)
o The potential difference across certain components
 This is due to the consequences of Ohm's Law
o The current in an electrical conductor decreases as its resistance increases (for a constant p.d.)
o The p.d. across an electrical conductor increases as its resistance increases (for a constant current)