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VOLTAGE, CURRENT & RESISTANCE EXPLAINED

 

In electronics we are dealing with voltage, current and resistance in circuits.  In the next section well will learn that using Ohm's Law we can determine one of these values by knowing the other two. So it is importance to firmly grasp what these three terms mean first.

We will describe these electrical terms using an analog that closely resembles electronics — HYDRAULICS.

 

Voltage DiagramVoltage
Voltage is the electrical force, or "pressure", that causes current to flow in a circuit. It is measured in VOLTS (V or E). Take a look at the diagram.  Voltage would be the force that is pushing the water (electrons) forward.

Current DiagramCurrent
Current is the movement of electrical charge - the flow of electrons through the electronic circuit.  Current is measured in AMPERES (AMPS, A or I). Current would be the flow of water moving through the tube (wire).

Resistance
Resistance is anything that causes an opposition to the flow of electricity in a circuit. It is used to control the amount of voltage and/or amperage in a circuit. Everything in the circuit causes a resistance (even wire). It is measured in OHMS (Ω).

©Copyright 1999 * John Adams

 
 
 

 

 

 

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