Basic Electricity (what i should know but don't)

  • Thread starter Thread starter chaz699
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Electricity
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum resistance of a filament lamp using a graph of voltage (V) against current (I). To determine the maximum resistance, one must accurately draw a tangent to the curve at the steepest point, typically near the origin. By constructing a right-angled triangle where the tangent serves as the hypotenuse, the maximum resistance can be calculated by dividing the change in voltage by the change in current (ΔV/ΔI). This method provides a clear approach to finding resistance in non-linear components.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law
  • Familiarity with graph interpretation
  • Knowledge of tangent lines in calculus
  • Basic skills in constructing right-angled triangles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of Ohm's Law in detail
  • Learn how to accurately draw tangents to curves
  • Explore the concept of resistance in non-linear components
  • Investigate the characteristics of filament lamps and their I-V curves
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, electrical engineering enthusiasts, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of electrical resistance in non-linear devices.

chaz699
Messages
19
Reaction score
0
i have been given this question

Figure 1 shows a graph of V against I for a filament lamp. Calculate the maximum resistance of the lamp over the range shown by the graph,

now i have a somewhat vague attempt and its to measure the tangent of the line (i can't upload the graph sorry)

how do i take a tangent of a curved line accurately and then calculate the maximum resistance


thank you for your help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You just need to take a little time and care drawing your tangent.The graph should be steepest at the origin where the resistance is highest..Draw your tangent as long as you can ,construct a right angled triangle where the tangent becomes the hypotenuse and divide the change of voltage by the change of current(tan theta)
 

Similar threads

Measurement technology textbook problems
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
846
Measurement technology textbook problems
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
763
Gradients of Graphs with and without Rates of Change
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Incandescent Bulb - suitable approximation for voltage-current curve
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Finding resistance and its change from a V-I graph
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
7K
Calculating air resistance for a cart rolling down a ramp
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
How to Apply Derivatives in Physics Problems?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Finding the smallest resistance on a I-V graph
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Calculating eletric potential using line integral of electric field
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Why is there a sharp spike of blue light in my spectrometer readings?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K