Current, Resistance, and Potential Difference

POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE (V) 

Also known as VOLTAGE, potential difference is the measure of ENERGY per unit of CHARGE, transferred between two points in a circuit.

Simply put, this is the driving force that PUSHES the current around the circuit.

Units: VOLTS (V).

RESISTANCE (R) 

RESISTANCE in a circuit SLOWS down the flow of CURRENT.

The HIGHER the resistance in a circuit, the LOWER the current, if the potential difference stays the same.

Units: OHMS (Ω).

OHM'S LAW

The relationship between current, resistance, and potential difference can be understood by OHM'S LAW, which states that the CURRENT is DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL to the POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE.

A conductor that obeys this law is known as an OHMIC CONDUCTOR.

Here's the fundamental formula you'll need:

• V is the potential difference in Volts (V).
• I is the current in Amperes (A).
• R is the resistance in Ohms (Ω).