Why Do We Need Resistors in Every Electronic Circuit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the necessity and function of resistors in electronic circuits. Participants explore the role of resistors in controlling voltage and current, as well as their applications and implications in various circuit designs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that resistors are not needed in every electrical circuit, suggesting that their utility lies in changing voltage and current.
  • Questions are raised about the specific scenarios where resistors are necessary and what might happen in their absence.
  • Resistors are noted for their roles in controlling impedances and dividing voltages.
  • One participant provides an example of connecting an LED to a voltage source, explaining that a resistor is needed to prevent the LED from burning out due to excessive current.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of understanding Ohm's Law as foundational knowledge for learning about electronic circuits.
  • Resistance is described as a property that arises from various components in a circuit, not just resistors.
  • Basic concepts of voltage and current are highlighted as essential for grasping further electronic principles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that resistors play a significant role in many circuits, but there is no consensus on the necessity of resistors in every circuit. Multiple views on their applications and importance remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express a lack of foundational knowledge about electricity, indicating that further exploration and learning are needed to fully understand the concepts discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals new to electronics, students seeking clarification on the role of resistors, and those interested in foundational concepts of voltage, current, and resistance may find this discussion beneficial.

Jin S Zhang
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Why do we need resistors in every electronic circuit?
 
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You don't need them in EVERY electrical circuit, but since they change the voltage/current and electrical circuits are all about voltage and current they do tend to come in handy!
 
mgb_phys said:
You don't need them in EVERY electrical circuit, but since they change the voltage/current and electrical circuits are all about voltage and current they do tend to come in handy!

Why we don't need them in every circuit? How are they handy? What would happen if there was no resistors in some circuit?

Please explain me coz I know nothing about electricity and just started learning.
 
Jin S Zhang said:
Why we don't need them in every circuit? How are they handy? What would happen if there was no resistors in some circuit?

Please explain me coz I know nothing about electricity and just started learning.

Resistors are used for many things, often for controlling impedances and dividing down voltages. It would be best if you read some about resistors, and came back with specific questions if you still have them. Here's a starting point:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistor

Also, if you can find or buy a copy of The Art of Electronics by Horowitz and Hill, that book will take you from the very basics of resistors all the way through an introduction to basic electronic circuits.
 
If you connect an LED diode to 12 V it will burn out quickly. But if you connect a proper resistor to the LED, then it will limit the current to the diode and it will not burn out.
 
JSZ,
Please check out an article (WikiPedia) on Ohm's Law. This is probably the very best place to start learning about electronic circuits. There is a well-defined relation between a circuit's voltage, current and resistance. All of these terms have their own definitions that will make sense in time, but check out Ohm's Law first.

Resistance is a property of 'work' having been done in a circuit. Not only do resistors make resistance, but motors, lights, induction coils, diodes, wires themselves, and many others create resistance too.

I am glad that you are asking this question. I assure you that you will soon discover some really amazing things about our world. Good luck. Let me know if you have any more questions.
 
The very first thing to learn is what voltage and current are. If you don't know that, nothing else will make any sense.

After that, resistance is the next basic concept usually taught in electronics.
 

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