Resistors

Learning Intentions

  • To learn how resistors resist the flow of electrical current
  • To learn how to calculate the current through a resistor
  • To learn how resistors consume electrical power

Media

Gaurav J – TheElectricalGuy – What is Power Rating of a Resistor | Why Power Rating Matters (5:01)

Demonstrations

In the Templeton classroom, we have the following resistors to examine:

  • Large power resistor
  • Heating element from an oven
  • Tiny surface mount 0603 resistor
  • Various sizes of through hole resistors

When will it burn?

  1. A 1/4 Watt through-hole resistor tends to burn (the smoke comes out) when 5 Watts of electrical power pass through it. What voltage should we apply to make the following resistors burn?
    1. 500 Ω
    2. 47 Ω
    3. 4.7 Ω
  2. Our power supply can only generate 50.0 V DC output. What is the largest value of 1/4 Watt through hole resistor that it could burn?

Notes

Worksheet – Ohm’s Law and Electric Power

Worksheet Solutions

Lab – Resistance of Straws

Worksheet – Solving Resistor Circuits

Worksheet Solutions – Solving Resistor Circuits

Worksheet – Voltage and Current Dividers

Worksheet Solutions – Voltage and Current Dividers

Worksheet – Solving Complex Resistor Circuits

Worksheet Solutions – Solving Complex Resistor Circuits

Lab – Ohm’s Law

Lab – Resistivity of PlayDoh