Resistors are not energy storage components

What is a resistor in a circuit?

Resistors are passive electrical components that reduce the flow of electrical current in a circuit. They are one of the most common components and can be found in almost every electrical network and electronic circuit. The resistance is expressed in ohms (Ω). There are many different resistor types and constructions.

Is a resistor a passive component?

A passive component is something that can only receive energy, dissipate energy or store or absorb energy. When the resistor receives a current they dissipate the excess energy as heat. Is a light bulb a resistor? No, a light bulb is not a traditional resistor, although it does behave like a resistor.

What is resistance of a resistor?

The amount of opposition to the flow of current is called the resistance of the resistor and is denoted by the symbol “ R “. Resistance is a measure of how easily or how difficult electrons can flow through a particular path in an electrical circuit and is expressed as a value in units called Ohms.

How does a resistor work?

Resistors can only consume power, they can generate any additional power. Resistors are used for many different applications, some include limiting electrical current, division of voltage, to generate heat and many more. A resistor will have a resistance rating which will create a specified volt drop.

How does a resistor dissipate energy?

An ideal resistor will dissipate electrical energy without storing it as electric charge or as magnetic energy. Inductance which has the symbol “ L ” and is measured in Henries (H), is the element used for the storage of energy in the form of an electromagnetic field.

What are the two types of resistors used in electrical circuits and systems?

There are two types of resistors that are used in electrical circuits and systems. They are called fixed resistors and variable resistors. Both fixed and variable resistors have important roles when used in electrical circuits and systems, they each have a purpose and reasons why they are used. We will take a look at what each means below: