Relationship between V & I

If the temperature is kept constant, we can study the

relationship between V & I.
We use the following circuit to study this relationship:
A
By changing the number of cells or
by using a rheostat, the potential
difference across the resistor will
change & the current in the resistor
changes accordingly.
V
Take the ammeter readings for different voltmeter
readings and then draw a graph of V vs I for the
resistor.
Relationship I, V & R
1
Relationship between V & I
0,610 4,6
0,467 3,5
0,307 2,3
0,160 1,2
I in amperes V in volts
A graph of V vs I can now
be drawn for these sets of
readings.
V
5
3
1
0
I
0 0,1 0,3 0,5
From this graph we see
that the gradient or slope is
constant and V I and the
gradient gives us the
resistance of the resistor
R =
V
I
Gradient
V
I
=
= 7,5
2
Ohms Law
Since V I at constant temperature, we can see that the
resistance is thus staying constant.
From this we can state Ohms Law:
The current in a metallic conductor is directly
proportional to the potential difference across its ends,
provided the temperature remains constant.
The unit of resistance is the V.m
-1
also called the ohm
().
A conductor has a resistance of 1 if the current in it is
1A when the potential difference across the ends is
1V.
Ohm's law Click here
Ohm's law
Ohm's law
3
Equations for finding I
The following equations may be used to find the
current in a circuit:
I =
V
emf
R
tot
I =
V
resistor
R
resistor
Be careful not to mix & match these variables
R = V/I
4
Special concepts about circuits
Resistors in series:
Current same at all points
V for whole circuit = sum of V across each resistor
V
tot
= V
1
+ V
2
+ V
3
Same V across identical resistors
Unequal resistors split V
tot
unequally with higher
resistance having the higher V.
Circuit Construction Kit (DC Only) -
Electricity, Circuits, Current - PhET
5
Special concepts about circuits
Resistors in parallel:
V across each is the same
I = i
1
+ i
2
+ i
3
Identical resistors carry same current
Unequal resistors carry unequal currents with the
smaller the smaller resistor carrying larger current
i
1
=
I x R
r
Now try as many electrical
circuit problems as you can find.
Current in parallel branch
Combinations of
resistors Click here
6
Temperature & resistance
The resistance of a resistor is determined by:
R
=
V
I
The resistance of a conductor usually
remains constant unless it becomes hot
when its resistance increases.
However, at very low temperatures certain
substances become superconductors where they
have virtually no resistance at all.
Temperature affecting resistance
7
Temperature & resistance:
Ohmic & non-Ohmic conductors
An Ohmic conductor is one that obeys Ohms law i.e.
when the V is changed across the conductor, so the I
through the conductor changes proportionally
provided the temperature remains constant.

A non-Ohmic conductor does not obey Ohms law. Its
resistance increases as the temperature of the
resistance changes.
Resistor Ohmic conductor
Filament non-
Ohmic conductor
8
Graphs for Ohmic & non-Ohmic
conductors
Ohmic non-Ohmic


Resistance and
temperature
Ohmic and
non-ohmic
conductors
9