Non-Ohmic

Definition

Non-ohmic refers to electrical components or materials that do not follow Ohm's law, which states that the current through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage applied across it. Non-ohmic devices exhibit a non-linear relationship between current and voltage, meaning their resistance changes with the applied voltage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Non-ohmic devices do not have a constant resistance, and their resistance changes with the applied voltage or current.
2. Examples of non-ohmic devices include diodes, transistors, and certain types of resistors, such as thermistors and varistors.
3. Non-ohmic behavior is often observed in materials with non-linear current-voltage characteristics, such as semiconductors and certain types of metals.
4. The non-linear relationship between current and voltage in non-ohmic devices is due to complex physical phenomena, such as electron transport mechanisms and the presence of energy barriers.
5. Understanding non-ohmic behavior is crucial in the design and analysis of many electronic circuits, as it allows for the creation of devices with specialized functions, such as amplifiers, switches, and power regulators.

Review Questions

• Explain how non-ohmic behavior differs from Ohm's law in the context of electrical circuits.
  • Non-ohmic behavior refers to electrical components or materials that do not follow Ohm's law, which states that the current through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage applied across it. In non-ohmic devices, the relationship between current and voltage is non-linear, meaning the resistance of the device changes with the applied voltage or current. This is in contrast to ohmic devices, where the resistance remains constant and the current-voltage relationship is linear, as described by Ohm's law.
• Analyze the implications of non-ohmic behavior in the design and operation of electronic circuits.
  • The non-linear current-voltage characteristics of non-ohmic devices have important implications for the design and operation of electronic circuits. Non-ohmic behavior allows for the creation of specialized devices, such as diodes, transistors, and certain types of resistors, which are essential components in amplifiers, switches, and power regulators. Understanding non-ohmic behavior is crucial for accurately modeling and predicting the behavior of these circuits, as it enables engineers to design more efficient and effective electronic systems. Additionally, the non-linear nature of non-ohmic devices can introduce complexities and challenges in circuit analysis and design that must be carefully considered.
• Evaluate the role of non-ohmic behavior in the development of advanced electronic technologies and its impact on modern society.
  • The non-linear current-voltage characteristics of non-ohmic devices have been instrumental in the development of advanced electronic technologies that have transformed modern society. The ability to create and manipulate non-ohmic behavior in materials has enabled the creation of crucial electronic components, such as transistors, which are the building blocks of modern computers, smartphones, and a wide range of other digital devices. Furthermore, the unique properties of non-ohmic devices have facilitated the development of power electronics, which are essential for efficiently managing and distributing electrical energy in a wide range of applications, from renewable energy systems to electric vehicles. The understanding and exploitation of non-ohmic behavior has been a driving force behind the rapid technological advancements that have shaped the modern world, with far-reaching impacts on communication, entertainment, transportation, and countless other aspects of our daily lives.

Related terms

Ohm's Law:

Ohm's law states that the current through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage applied across it, and inversely proportional to the resistance of the conductor.

Resistance:

Resistance is a measure of the opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit, and is expressed in ohms (Ω).

Simple Circuits: A simple circuit is an electrical circuit that contains a power source, a load, and the necessary connecting wires, and follows Ohm's law.