Ohm's law
Ohms lag
PhysicsCommon
Discovered 1827 · Georg Ohm
SPARKON05 / 10
Ohm's law
The ideaThe current through a resistor grows in step with the voltage across it.
U = R · I
Lets you predictThe current before you switch on.
Tests usually ask
  • Find current, voltage or resistance
  • Resistors in series
Scan for the full explanation and a practice question.
SPARKON · 05 / 10
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Physics ● Common: a core idea every course needs

Ohm's law

Swedish: Ohms lag · Discovered: Georg Ohm, 1827

The current through a resistor grows in step with the voltage across it.

U = R · I

Why it works

Voltage is the push, current is the flow, resistance is how narrow the pipe is. Double the push and you double the flow.

Resistors in series simply add up: 10 Ω and 20 Ω in a row act like one 30 Ω resistor.

What it lets you predict

The current before you switch on.

How tests ask about it

  • Find current, voltage or resistance
  • Resistors in series

Try it

A 9 V battery is connected to a 30 Ω resistor. What is the current?

Show the answer

I = U / R = 9 / 30 = 0.3 A.

Connects to

Wins these Lab Duel challenges

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