Understanding Ohm's Law: How Voltage, Current, and Resistance Are Related

Thread starter danaman
Start date Nov 18, 2011

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the application of Ohm's Law, specifically the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits. A user mistakenly believes that adding a 1-ohm resistor to a 12-volt battery rated at 2,600 milliamp-hours (2.6 amps) would increase the current to 12 amps. Participants clarify that a battery is a voltage source, and the current drawn depends on the load resistance, not the battery's capacity. The correct interpretation of battery specifications and the implications of internal resistance are emphasized throughout the conversation.

PREREQUISITES

Understanding of Ohm's Law (V = I * R)
Familiarity with battery specifications, including amp-hours (mAh)
Knowledge of electrical resistance and its impact on current flow
Basic principles of circuit theory and load characteristics

NEXT STEPS

Study the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in more complex circuits
Learn about battery internal resistance and its effect on performance
Explore the differences between constant voltage and constant current sources
Investigate how to calculate power dissipation in resistors (P = I^2 * R)

USEFUL FOR

Electronics enthusiasts, electrical engineering students, and anyone involved in circuit design or battery technology will benefit from this discussion.

Nov 28, 2011

sophiecentaur

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

jim hardy said:

this might make sophie cringe - please accept my apologies...

Voltage is pressure, like made by a pump. The british used to call it pressure, in fact...

Current is flow , of electrons through a conductor, just as water flow is molecules through a pipe.

aaaarrrrggghhh!