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Resistance

maker

The opposition to the flow of electric current, typically measured in ohms (Ω).

expanded

Resistance quantifies how much a material resists the flow of electric current. It is crucial for controlling current levels within electronic devices and is determined by material properties, temperature, and dimensions. In practical applications, resistance is fundamental in designing circuits for efficiency, stability, and safety.

examples

A 220 ohm resistor used in a LED circuit to limit the current to prevent damaging the LED.

Commonly used in hobbyist electronics projects and small-scale prototyping where controlling current is essential to prevent component damage.

A 10 kohm potentiometer in an audio volume control circuit, allowing variable resistance.

Widely applied in audio equipment where adjustable resistance is needed to vary signal levels.

Heating element resistance, typically 50 ohms, used in electric heaters to convert electrical energy into heat.

Used in household and industrial heating applications where consistent and reliable heating performance is required.

related terms

Resistor
A resistor is a passive electrical component that implements electrical resistance as a circuit element.
Impedance
Impedance is the measure of opposition that a circuit presents to a current when a voltage is applied.
Thermistor
A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance varies significantly with temperature.
Series circuit
An electrical circuit configuration where components are connected end-to-end so the current flows through each component in a single path.
Current
Current is the rate of flow of electric charge past a point in a circuit, expressed in amperes (A).