Physics Electricity- Current and Resistance

Electric Current
- is defined as the rate of flow of electric charges.

𝑑𝑞
i= 𝑑𝑡

where dq is the charge that passes through a cross section of the conductor in a time interval dt. The SI
unit of current is the ampere (A), where 1 A = 1 C/s.

Resistance
 It is the ability of a material to oppose or block the flow of charge or current.
 The resistance R is proportional to the length L and inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area A,
with a proportionality factor ρ called the resistivity of the material. That is,

𝜌𝐿
R= 𝐴

where: ρ – resistivity (Ω – m)
L- length
A – cross sectional area

Resistance and Temperature

 The resistance of every conductor varies somewhat with temperature.

 Where R1 is the resistance at a reference temperature Ti and R2 is the resistance at temperature Tf, then the
variation of resistance with temperature is described approximately by
R2 = R1 (1 + α ΔT)

where:
α – temperature coefficient of resistance

Ohm’s Law
 The current flowing in an electric circuit is directly proportional to applied voltage and inversely
proportional to the equivalent resistance.
V
I=R

Electric Power
 It is the rate, per unit time, at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit
P=IV
 S. I. Unit: Watt (W)
 Other equations for electrical power:
𝑃=𝐼(𝐼𝑅)=𝐼2 𝑅
𝑃=(𝑉/𝑅)𝑉=𝑉2/𝑅

1 Engr. Jayef P. Doblado

Physics Electricity- Current and Resistance

Resistor Color Coding

Example:

∴Therefore the accepted valued of this resistor is 9500 Ω to 10500 Ω

2 Engr. Jayef P. Doblado

Physics Electricity- Current and Resistance

Sample Problems:
1. An electric current in a conductor varies with time according to the expression I(t) = 100 sin (120𝜋t),
where I is in amperes and t is in seconds. What is the total charge passing a given point in the conductor
1
from t = 0 to t = 240 s?
Solution:

2. Suppose you wish to fabricate a uniform wire from 1.00 g of copper. If the wire is to have a resistance of
R = 0.500 V and all the copper is to be used, what must be (a) the length and (b) the diameter of this
wire?
Solution:

3 Engr. Jayef P. Doblado

Physics Electricity- Current and Resistance

3. A portion of Nichrome wire of radius 2.50 mm is to be used in winding a heating coil. If the coil must
draw a current of 9.25 A when a voltage of 120 V is applied across its ends, find (a) the required
resistance of the coil and (b) the length of wire you must use to wind the coil.
Solution:

4. What is the fractional change in the resistance of an iron filament when its temperature changes from
25.0°C to 50.0°C?
Solution:

5. A well-insulated electric water heater warms109 kg of water from 20.0°C to 49.0°C in 25.0 min.
Find the resistance of its heating element, which is connected across a 240-V potential difference.
Solution:

4 Engr. Jayef P. Doblado