Resistance in a circuit
The two main ways of increasing the current in an electrical circuit are by increasing the voltageThe potential difference across a cell, electrical supply or electrical component. It is measured in volts (V). or by decreasing the resistance.
Resistance in a circuit
Changing the voltage
If you increase the voltage across a component, there will be more current in the component. Too high a voltage and the bulb will blow.
Changing the resistance
If you increase the number of lamps in a series circuit, there will be less current. The lamps resist the current, so if you put more lamps into the circuit, there is more resistance.
You could do the same with a variable resistor.
The quantities voltage, current and resistance are linked by the relationshipA relationship tells us how two or more variables work together, eg the relationship between resistance, voltage and current is: resistance = voltage ÷ current.:
\({\mathop{\rm Re}\nolimits} sistance = \frac{{voltage}}{{current}}\)
\(R = \frac{V}{I}\)
- The symbol for resistance is \(R\), it is measured in ohms \((\Omega)\)
- The symbol for voltage is \(V\), it is measured in volts \((V)\)
- The symbol for current is \(I\), it is measured in amperes \((A)\)
If there is more than one voltage or current, you use the voltage across the resistor and the current through it, not just any values that you see in the question.
Question
A torch lamp takes a current of 0.3 amperes from a 3 voltUnit of voltage. For example, the voltage across the lamp was 6 volts (V).batteryA chemical supply of electrical energy. For example, common battery voltages include 1.5 V and 9 V.. Calculate its resistance.
To calculate the resistance you need to take the following steps:
\({\mathop{\rm Re}\nolimits} sistance = \frac{{voltage}}{{current}}\)
\(R = \frac{V}{I} = \frac{3}{{0.3}} = 10\,ohms\,(10\Omega )\)
Click to listen to the Naked Scientists' explanation of electrical resistance.