Can Resistors Be Used in A/C Circuits?

[DkEnrgyFrk]

I thought that resistors, like the ones that I buy at RadioShack, could only be used on D/C circuits. I was looking up how to's on electromagnets and found a thread that mentioned using resistors with A/C power.
The thread was on this forum but I can't find it now.
I am guessing that the post was being very vague and that a power adapter must have been used in the circuit. Not just a resistor.
A power adapter, like the ones for USB devices and pc power supplies aren't just transforming the voltage by downgrading it to a lower voltage, they are converting it to DC as well, right?
So I'm guessing that that was forgotten to be mentioned.
Or are there resistors that are used in A/C circuits? Well, I mean, true resistors, not lamps, etc.

 

[GingerLee]

Basic role of resistor remains same in AC circuits as well - to limit the current flow.
An easy example : I remember we used to have rheostat type of speed controllers for fans when I was a kid.

The good old ac/dc adapters use transformers to step down ac voltage and then rectify it using diodes. They usually also contain a capacitor as ripple filter.

Now in some mobile charger circuits, I am seeing a smaller adapter circuit which does not require transformers. Basically they use a large wattage resistor to drop the current from AC. then feed it to a bridge rectifier. the output voltage is controlled using a zener diode.

 

[QuietMan]

Audio is also AC, of a sort.

AC amplifiers are central to electronics, and they use every part you can think of.

There are also AC power supplies such as inverters and UPS.

I am a moderator for AllAboutElectronics.com, a teaching website for electronics. Look for Bill_Marsden .

 

[phinds]

resistors are passive components and do not care what kind of voltage is applied, just what the MAX voltage is (overdo it and they'll start to burn --- overdo it enough and they'll explode)

 

[DkEnrgyFrk]

Basic role of resistor remains same in AC circuits as well - to limit the current flow.
An easy example : I remember we used to have rheostat type of speed controllers for fans when I was a kid.

The good old ac/dc adapters use transformers to step down ac voltage and then rectify it using diodes. They usually also contain a capacitor as ripple filter.

Now in some mobile charger circuits, I am seeing a smaller adapter circuit which does not require transformers. Basically they use a large wattage resistor to drop the current from AC. then feed it to a bridge rectifier. the output voltage is controlled using a zener diode.

That's a good example. I thought potentiometers were used in DC circuits only and rheostats were used in A/C circuits only. This a good example of parts that can't mingle between the two types of power?

 

[phinds]

That's a good example. I thought potentiometers were used in DC circuits only and rheostats were used in A/C circuits only. This a good example of parts that can't mingle between the two types of power?

And just what do you think is the difference between a "potentiomenter" and a "rheostat" and how do you see that making ANY difference in whether you put DC or AC across them?

 

[NascentOxygen]

That's a good example. I thought potentiometers were used in DC circuits only and rheostats were used in A/C circuits only. This a good example of parts that can't mingle between the two types of power?

In practice today, you'll find the term "rheostat" is used in high power applications, such as motors. A rheostat can be used for AC or DC motor controllers. A potentiometer is typically a very low power device. It, too, can be used for AC or DC.

You'll find that most rheostats have only two terminals, essentially being a variable resistor, whereas the potentiometer with its sliding tap must have three terminals.

(There is another altogether different electrical apparatus named a "potentiometer". )