Need help from an expert?
The world’s top online tutoring provider trusted by students, parents, and schools globally.
Electrical resistance in a circuit is calculated using Ohm's Law, which states that resistance equals voltage divided by current.
Ohm's Law is a fundamental principle in the study of physics and electronics. It is named after the German physicist Georg Simon Ohm who first formulated it. The law states that the current passing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points, and inversely proportional to the resistance between them. This relationship is commonly written as V=IR, where V is the voltage, I is the current, and R is the resistance.
To calculate the resistance in a circuit, you need to know the voltage and the current. The voltage is the force that pushes the current through the circuit, and it is measured in volts (V). The current is the flow of electric charge, and it is measured in amperes (A). Once you have these two values, you can calculate the resistance by rearranging the formula to R=V/I.
For example, if you have a circuit with a voltage of 10 volts and a current of 2 amperes, the resistance would be 10/2 = 5 ohms. The unit of resistance is the ohm (Ω), named after Georg Ohm.
It's important to note that resistance in a circuit can change depending on various factors such as the material of the conductor, its length, its cross-sectional area, and its temperature. Different materials have different resistivities, which is a measure of how much they resist the flow of electric current. For instance, metals like copper and silver have low resistivities and are good conductors, while materials like rubber and glass have high resistivities and are good insulators.
In summary, calculating electrical resistance in a circuit involves understanding and applying Ohm's Law, and considering the properties of the materials used in the circuit.
Study and Practice for Free
Trusted by 100,000+ Students Worldwide
Achieve Top Grades in your Exams with our Free Resources.
Practice Questions, Study Notes, and Past Exam Papers for all Subjects!
The world’s top online tutoring provider trusted by students, parents, and schools globally.