Ohm's Law - Identifying Constant in R=V/I Equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Ohm's Law, specifically the equation R = V/I, and the identification of constants within this relationship. Participants explore the implications of temperature on resistance and the conditions under which Ohm's Law holds true.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions which variable in the equation R = V/I can be considered a constant, referencing the general form of direct proportion.
  • Another participant suggests that there is no inherent constant in the equation, indicating that any of the variables can be treated as constant depending on the context of the measurement.
  • A third participant notes that while resistance can vary with temperature, this does not invalidate Ohm's Law, as it still applies under fixed conditions.
  • Several participants assert that the constant of proportionality in Ohm's Law is R, clarifying that it represents the resistance in the relationship between voltage and current.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the identification of constants in the equation, with some asserting that R is the constant of proportionality while others emphasize the variability of resistance with temperature. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the interpretation of constants in the context of Ohm's Law.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the constancy of physical conditions, particularly temperature, which are not fully explored. The discussion also highlights the dependence on definitions of constants and variables in the context of Ohm's Law.

Lim Y K
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according to ohm's law, the current is proportional to the potential difference provided that the temperature remains constant. so , the for equation , R= V/I, may i know which is the constant in the equation? i know the general form of direct proportion is y=kx or y/x=k but in R=V/I, i am unable to identify which is the constant. please help me with this. thank you
 
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hi there

There is no constant in there other than whichever one you want to remain constant

so for your example R = V/I ... if V is steady and you measure the current flowing in the circuit, you can establish the resistance present
so for any variation of those 3, from any 2 knowns, you can work out the unknown value

Dave
 
Lim Y K said:
according to ohm's law, the current is proportional to the potential difference provided that the temperature remains constant. so , the for equation , R= V/I, may i know which is the constant in the equation? i know the general form of direct proportion is y=kx or y/x=k but in R=V/I, i am unable to identify which is the constant. please help me with this. thank you
Why would the temperature need to remain constant? Resistance will vary with temperature but that doesn't invalidate Ohm's Law, it just means that for a fixed voltage, the current will fluctuate inversely with the resistance fluctuation
 
Ohm's law states that for constant physical conditions , the potential difference applied across a circuit is directly proportional to the current induced .

Or , V ∝i , and V=iR .

Thus the constant of proportionality , by ohm's law , is R .

I hope this helps .
 
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Qwertywerty said:
Ohm's law states that for constant physical conditions , the potential difference applied across a circuit is directly proportional to the current induced .
OR, the current induced is directly proportional to the voltage applied.
 
Qwertywerty said:
Ohm's law states that for constant physical conditions , the potential difference applied across a circuit is directly proportional to the current induced .

Or , V ∝i , and V=iR .

Thus the constant of proportionality , by ohm's law , is R .

I hope this helps .

it does make sense to me...my notes states so as well but i just needed clarification
 

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