Voltage, Current and Resistance
What is it?
Voltage, current, and resistance are the fundamental concepts that govern how electricity behaves in a circuit, often compared to a water system. Voltage (measured in Volts, V) is like the pressure in a water pipe; it's the electrical "push" or potential difference that drives electrons. Current (measured in Amperes, A) is the flow rate of those electrons, analogous to the volume of water flowing through the pipe per second. Finally, Resistance (measured in Ohms, Ω) is the opposition to this flow, similar to how a narrow pipe or a partially closed valve restricts water flow.
How do they effect eachother? (ohms law)
The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance is described by Ohm's Law, which states that
the current (I) flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage (V)
across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance (R) of the conductor. This can be expressed
with the formula: I = V / R.
In practical terms, this means that increasing the voltage will increase the current,
provided the resistance remains constant. Conversely, increasing the resistance will decrease the current for a given voltage.
Applications of ohms law
Ohm's Law is crucial in electrical engineering and electronics, as it allows for the calculation of current, voltage, or resistance in a circuit. It is used to design circuits, select appropriate components, and troubleshoot electrical systems. For example, if you know the voltage supplied to a circuit and the resistance of the components, you can calculate the current flowing through the circuit. This principle is fundamental in ensuring that electrical systems operate safely and efficiently.