A resistor is an essential passive electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current in a circuit. It can also be used to set voltage levels for components like transistors. In DC circuits, the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance is defined by Ohm’s Law: current is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance.
In AC circuits, the same principle applies provided the resistor is purely resistive, without inductive or capacitive properties. Resistors come in various types, including:
- Carbon Composition Resistors: Made by mixing graphite (carbon) with clay. The resistance value depends on the carbon-to-clay ratio—more carbon means lower resistance.
- Wire-Wound Resistors: Constructed by winding Nichrome wire around an insulating core. These resistors can handle higher currents than carbon composition types. However, due to their coiled structure, they exhibit inductance, which may affect AC performance.
Carbon composition resistors are common in general-purpose electronic circuits, while wire-wound resistors are used where higher power handling is required.
A resistor is an essential passive electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current in a circuit. It can also be used to set voltage levels for components like transistors. In DC circuits, the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance is defined by Ohm’s Law: current is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance.
In AC circuits, the same principle applies provided the resistor is purely resistive, without inductive or capacitive properties. Resistors come in various types, including:
- Carbon Composition Resistors: Made by mixing graphite (carbon) with clay. The resistance value depends on the carbon-to-clay ratio—more carbon means lower resistance.
- Wire-Wound Resistors: Constructed by winding Nichrome wire around an insulating core. These resistors can handle higher currents than carbon composition types. However, due to their coiled structure, they exhibit inductance, which may affect AC performance.
Carbon composition resistors are common in general-purpose electronic circuits, while wire-wound resistors are used where higher power handling is required.
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