Circuits

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Resistors

  • An ohmic conductor is a resistor in which the current is directly proportional to the potential difference at a constant temperature
  • This means that the resistance remains constant as the current changes
  • It is indicated by a linear graph
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Filament Lamps

  • As the current through a filament lamp increases, its temperature increases
  • This causes the resistance to increase as the current increases
  • It is indicated by a curved graph
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Diodes

  • The current through a diode will only flow in one direction
  • The diode has a very high resistance in the reverse direction
  • This is indicated by a horizontal line along the x-axis which shows that no current flows
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Thermistors

  • The resistance of a thermistor decreases as the temperature increases
  • This makes them useful in circuits where temperate control or response is required
  • For example, a thermistor could be used in a circuit for a thermostat that turns a heater off at a particular temperature
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