Linear resistance is the measure of how easily an electrical current can flow through a material. It is a property of a material that describes how much the material resists the flow of electricity. In a linear resistance, the current is directly proportional to the voltage applied.
Linear resistance is characterized by a constant resistance value, while non-linear resistance changes with the applied voltage. In other words, the resistance of a linear element remains the same regardless of the voltage, whereas the resistance of a non-linear element changes depending on the voltage.
Yes, an element can have both linear and non-linear resistance. This is known as a non-linear element with a linear region. In this case, the element behaves like a linear resistor within a certain range of voltage, but its resistance becomes non-linear outside of that range.
Linear resistance is typically measured using a multimeter or an ohmmeter. The device applies a known voltage to the element and measures the resulting current. The resistance can then be calculated using Ohm's law (R = V/I).
The linear resistance of an element can be affected by several factors, including the material it is made of, its length, cross-sectional area, and temperature. Generally, longer and thinner elements have higher resistance, while wider and shorter elements have lower resistance. Temperature can also affect resistance, with most materials having a higher resistance at higher temperatures.