Download Electric Current, Resistance and Ohm`s Law

Electric Current, Resistance
and Ohm’s Law
Electric Current
• Electric current is a measure of the rate at
which electric charges move past a given point
in a circuit.
• The metric SI unit used to measure electric
current is the ampere. The symbol for the
ampere is A.
• Current is measured using an ammeter
connected to the circuit in series.
Electric Resistance
• The molecules of all types of conductors impede,
or resist, the flow of electrons to some extent.
• This ability to impede the flow of electrons in
conductors is called electrical resistance. Some
kinds of electrical devices used in circuits are
designed to impede current flow and are called
resistors.
• The symbol for electrical resistance is R, and the
SI unit is the ohm (Ω).
Potential Difference
• When electrons flow through a conductor, the
electrical resistance causes a loss of electric
potential (voltage). There is a “difference” in
the amount of electric potential after the
electrons have flowed through the conductor.
Physicists refer to this loss as electric potential
difference, or more simply, potential
difference.
Ohm’s Law
• Ohm’s law states that the potential difference
between two points on a conductor is
proportional (directly related) to the electric
current flowing through the conductor. The factor
that relates the potential difference to the
current is the resistance of the conductor or load.
Although potential difference is the correct term,
the term voltage drop is commonly used instead.
Voltage is lost or is “dropped” across the
conductor.
Ohm’s Law Formula
• Potential Difference =Electric Current x Electrical Resistance
V
=
I
x
R
• Where potential difference (voltage drop) (V)
is measured in volts (V), electric current (I) is
measured in amperes (A), and resistance (R) is
measured in ohms (Ω).
• The formula is often written like this:
Steps For Solving Science Problems
Involving Formulas
• Step 1: Read the problem carefully and identify
the data given.
• Step 2: Write the formula(s) related to the
problem.
• Step 3: Substitute the known values of given
quantities.
• Step 4: Calculate the numerical answer (with
units).
• Step 5: Write an answer statement in sentence
form.
Problem 1
• What is the voltage drop across the tungsten
filament in a 100 W light bulb? The resistance
of the filament is 144 Ω and a current of 0.833
A is flowing through it.
Problem 2
• An electric toaster is connected to a 120 V
outlet in the kitchen. If the heating element in
the toaster has a resistance of 14 Ω, calculate
the current flowing through it.
Problem 3
• The current required to operate an electric
can opener is 1.5 A. What is its resistance if
the supply voltage is 120 V?