Ohm's Law states that the current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points. It is mathematically expressed as $V = IR$, where $V$ is voltage, $I$ is current, and $R$ is resistance.
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Ohm's Law only applies to ohmic materials where the resistance remains constant regardless of voltage and current.
In a series circuit, total resistance equals the sum of individual resistances: $R_{total} = R_1 + R_2 + ... + R_n$.
In a parallel circuit, the reciprocal of the total resistance equals the sum of reciprocals of individual resistances: $\frac{1}{R_{total}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + ... + \frac{1}{R_n}$.
Review Questions
What is the formula for Ohm's Law?
How does Ohm's Law apply to series and parallel circuits?
What are the units for voltage, current, and resistance?
Related terms
Voltage (V): The electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. Measured in volts (V).
Current (I): The flow of electric charge through a conductor. Measured in amperes (A).
Resistance (R): A measure of how much a material opposes the flow of electric current. Measured in ohms ($\Omega$).