Home Back

How To Calculate Resistance Gcse Physics

Ohm's Law Equation:

\[ R = \frac{V}{I} \]

volts
amps

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Ohm's Law?

Ohm's Law is a fundamental principle in electrical engineering and physics that describes the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit. It states that the current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Ohm's Law equation:

\[ R = \frac{V}{I} \]

Where:

Explanation: The equation shows that resistance is equal to the voltage divided by the current flowing through the circuit.

3. Importance of Resistance Calculation

Details: Calculating resistance is crucial for designing electrical circuits, selecting appropriate components, ensuring safety, and understanding how electrical systems work. It's a fundamental concept in GCSE Physics curriculum.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amps. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute the resistance in ohms.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units for resistance?
A: Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω), named after the German physicist Georg Ohm.

Q2: Can Ohm's Law be rearranged?
A: Yes, Ohm's Law can be rearranged to find voltage (V = I × R) or current (I = V / R).

Q3: What is a typical resistance value?
A: Resistance values vary widely depending on the component. Conductors have low resistance (0.1-10Ω), while insulators have very high resistance (millions of ohms).

Q4: Does temperature affect resistance?
A: Yes, for most conductors, resistance increases with temperature. For semiconductors, resistance typically decreases with temperature.

Q5: What factors affect resistance?
A: Resistance depends on the material's resistivity, length, cross-sectional area, and temperature.

How To Calculate Resistance Gcse Physics© - All Rights Reserved 2025