ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE

 The amount of current passing around a series circuit depends on two things:

o The voltage of the power source.

o The number (and type) of components in the circuit (which affects its total
resistance).

Increasing the number of components in a series circuit (for a given voltage) will decrease
the current

Resistance

 Resistance is the opposition to the flow of charge.

 Voltage, current and resistance are related by the following equation:

Voltage = Current x resistance

V=IxR

 The unit of resistance is the ohm (Ω).

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Resistors in Series

 When two or more components are connected in series:

o The current in each component is the same.

o The total voltage across the components is equal to the sum of individual
voltages.
o The combined resistance of the components is equal to the sum of individual
resistances

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Experiment to investigate how current varies with voltage for different components

1. Set up the circuit as shown in the diagram below.

2. Turn the variable resistor to its maximum value..

3. Close the switch and take the readings from the ammeter and the voltmeter.

4. After changing the value of the variable resistor again and take a new pair of readings from
the meters.

5. Repeat the whole process at least six times.

6. Draw a graph of current against voltage.

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IV Graphs

 As the voltage across a component is increased, the current in the component also
increases.

 Resistance is a measure of a component’s opposition to current.

 If the resistance of a circuit is increased (for a fixed voltage), the current around the
circuit will decrease (and vice-versa)
 The graph below shows the IV graphs for three different resistors: One low resistance,
one medium and one high.

 The precise relationship between voltage and current can be different for different
types of components.

1. Fixed resistor

 The graph of current against voltage is a straight line.

 So, The resistance does not change.

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 2. Filament bulb
 The graph is not a straight line.
 The resistance of the bulb changes.
 At highr voltage temperature of the filament increases and hence resistance increase.
The current decreases.

3. Diode

 A diode is a component that only allows current to pass in one direction (the direction
of the arrow part of the symbol).
 If a voltage is applied in the reverse direction, the diode has a very high resistance and
prevents any current.

Using Resistance
1. Fixed resistor
To reduce the current in a circuit, fixed resistors are used

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2. Variable resistor
To change the current in a circuit, variable resistors are used.

3. Thermistors

 A thermistor (thermal resistor) is a component which changes its resistance in

response to temperature:

The circuit symbol for a thermistor.

 When a thermistor is heated, its resistance decreases (and vice versa).

 It is used in temperature sensitive circuits such as fire alarms, freezers and computers.

4. Light Dependant Resistors (LDRs)

 An LDR (Light dependent resistor) is a component which changes its resistance in

response to light levels.

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 A Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)

5. DIODES

 Diodes are used in LEDs and Rectifier circuits.

 Lamps and LEDs (light emitting diodes) are both components that light up when a
current passes through them. This can be used to test for the presence of a current in
a circuit.
 LEDs are types of diodes: They only allow current to pass in one direction through
them and will only light if the current passes in that direction

The symbol for an LED. An LED, like a normal diode, is directional

 In rectifier circuits, diodes are used to convert alternating current to direct current.

Page 83, questions 1, 2, 3.