How Voltage Relates to Current and Resistance
3. Ohm's Law and the Flow of Electricity
Okay, so we know voltage is the "push," but how does that relate to what actually flows — the current? And what about resistance, which seems to be always getting in the way? That's where Ohm's Law comes in. This fundamental law of electricity states that voltage (V) equals current (I) times resistance (R), or V = IR.
In simpler terms, the amount of current that flows through a circuit is directly proportional to the voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance. So, if you increase the voltage (the "push"), you'll get more current flow (like opening a valve wider on a water pipe). But if you increase the resistance (like narrowing the pipe), you'll get less current flow, even with the same voltage.
Resistance is like the electrical equivalent of friction. It opposes the flow of current. A high resistance limits the current, even with a strong voltage. Think of a light bulb filament: it has a high resistance, which is why it heats up and glows when current flows through it. A low-resistance wire, on the other hand, allows current to flow easily without generating much heat.
Ohm's Law is a powerful tool for understanding and predicting the behavior of electrical circuits. It allows you to calculate the current, voltage, or resistance in a circuit if you know the other two values. It's also essential for designing circuits that operate safely and efficiently. So, understanding the interplay between voltage, current, and resistance is key to mastering the art of electronics.
