Physics Lesson 15.2.1 - Definition of Resistance. Resistance of a Conducting Wire

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Welcome to our Physics lesson on Definition of Resistance. Resistance of a Conducting Wire, this is the first lesson of our suite of physics lessons covering the topic of Electric Resistance. Combinations of Resistors, you can find links to the other lessons within this tutorial and access additional physics learning resources below this lesson.

Definition of Resistance. Resistance of a Conducting Wire

When electrons flow through a conductor, they collide with the atoms of conductor. As a result, the electrons slow down. We have found in the previous tutorial that the drift velocity of electrons in a conducting wire is very low due to a large number of collisions they experience during their motion through the conductor, as shown in the figure.

The electron in the figure experiences a number of collisions with the atoms of conductor during its movement from position 1 to position 2. As a result, the electron loses some of its initial energy, which converts into other forms (mainly thermal, because the atoms start vibrate faster around their equilibrium positions when hit by the electron). As a result, the conductor gets hotter and the flow of electrons in such conditions becomes more difficult. We say the conductor makes resistance to the flow of electrons.

By definition, the electrical resistance R, is a quantity related to the opposition that electrons encounter during their flow through a conductor.

Resistance is measured in Ohms [Ω], in honour to the German scientist Georg Simon Ohm.

All electrical appliances - some more and some less - make resistance to the electrons flow. Conductors in general provide low resistance while insulators a very high resistance to the flow of charges.

You have reached the end of Physics lesson 15.2.1 Definition of Resistance. Resistance of a Conducting Wire. There are 5 lessons in this physics tutorial covering Electric Resistance. Combinations of Resistors, you can access all the lessons from this tutorial below.

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