Ohm's Law - Definition, Formula, Applications, FAQs

Ohm's Law - Definition, Formula, Applications, FAQs

Vishal kumarUpdated on 02 Jul 2025, 04:32 PM IST

What is ohm’s law Class 10?

Georg Simon Ohm, a German physicist, invented Ohms law, which describes the relationship between potential difference and current.
Ohm’s law statement: According to Ohms law, the steady current I flowing through a conductor is proportional to the potential difference V between the conductor's two ends at a constant temperature. The link between an electric current and the potential difference is defined by Ohms law.
The formula of ohm’s law, V=IR
Ohm’s law is the most fundamental law in electricity.

Derivation of ohm’s law

An electric current flowing through a conductor is precisely proportionate to the difference in potential between the conductor's two ends, according to ohm’s law.

I proportional to V

Hence, IV=constant

The value of this constant proportionality constant is found to be 1/R

Therefore, I=V/R

V=IR

Here, R is a constant for a given material at a given temperature which is known as the resistance of the material. Since the potential difference V is proportional to the current I, the graph between Vand I is a straight line for a conductor.

Ohmic conductor graph:

Ohmic conductor graph

Definition:

Electric circuit:

A closed conducting loop or path with a network of electrical components through which electrons can flow is known as an electric circuit. This loop is made using the electrical wires which is to connect an electric appliance to a source of the electric charges like a battery. An electric circuit must be closed in order that the current passes through it.

Electric current:

Current is defined as the rate at which charges flow through a conductor, implying that the electric current represents the number of charges flowing through any cross-section of a conductor in a given amount of time. The letter I stands for current. If a net charge Q travels through any cross-section of a conductor in time t, the current flowing through it is

\mathrm{I}=\mathrm{Q} / \mathrm{t}

The ampere is the SI unit of electric current and is represented by the letter. When a charge of coulomb runs over any cross-section of a conductor in one second, the current flowing through it is said to be one ampere.

1 ampere=1 coulomb/1 second

When a conducting path is given to a charged object, electrons begin to flow through the path from a higher to a lower potential state. The potential difference can be produced by using a cell or battery. A current of electricity is generated as electrons move. Therefore, an electric current is produced by the moving electrons.

An ammeter is a device that is used to determine the strength of an electric current in a circuit. In a circuit where the current is to be found, the ammeter is connected in series.

Potential difference:

The amount of labour involved in transporting against the electric force, a unit counter electrode from one position to another is described as the electric potential difference between two points. The potential difference required for the flow of charges can be provided by the battery. From the negative electrode to the positive electrode, electrons flow. The letter V denotes the possibility of a difference.

V=work done (w)/charge (Q)

The volt is the SI unit for electric potential difference and is symbolised by V. The potential difference between two points is one volt if one joule of labour is expended in moving one coulomb of charge from one point to another against the electric force.

1 volt=1 joule/1 coulomb

Joule is a unit of measurement for the quantity of electrical energy transferred into other forms of energy and the amount of charge is measured in coulomb.

A voltmeter is a tool that measures the difference in potential between two ends. The voltmeter must always be connected in parallel to a component in a circuit to evaluate the potential difference across it.

Resistance:

The property of a substance to oppose the flow of charges and thus the passage of current through it is known as resistance. The ratio of the potential difference between the conductor's ends to the current flowing through it is the conductor's resistance. The letter R stands for resistance.

$\mathrm{R}=\mathrm{V} * \mathrm{I}$

The ohm is the SI unit of resistance and is represented by the symbol. When a conductor carries a one-ampere current and a one-volt potential difference is maintained across its ends, the resistance is said to be one ohm.

1ohm=1 volt/1 ampere

With the help of the resistance, we can regulate the quantity of current flowing in a circuit. When the flow of current is obstructed, heat is generated. This is because electrons encounter resistance as they move along a wire. To overcome the opposition that has been converted into heat energy, work must be done. This conversion of electrical energy into heat energy is called Joule heating. The components used for providing resistance are called resistors.

The measure of resistance given by a component to the flow of electric current through it is called resistance. Different electrical components offer different electrical resistance. Metals such as copper, aluminium etc. offers negligible resistance to the electric current. These are good conductors. The materials like Nichrome, tin oxide etc. provide a high level of resistance to electric current.

Ohm’s Law for Power:

Power is the rate of consuming electrical energy and is defined as the rate of accomplishing work or spending energy. It determines how efficiently electrical energy is transferred into another form of energy.

If a current streams through a conductor with resistance for a period, the potential difference between the conductor's two ends is. The equation gives the work done to transfer the charge across the ends of the conductor.

W=VIt

P=VIt/t

P=VI

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Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is Ohm's Law and why is it important in electrical circuits?
A:
Ohm's Law is a fundamental principle in electrical engineering that describes the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit. It states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage across it and inversely proportional to its resistance. This law is crucial because it allows us to predict and calculate how electrical circuits will behave, making it essential for designing and analyzing electrical systems.
Q: Can Ohm's Law be applied to all electrical components?
A:
Ohm's Law applies to many electrical components, but not all. It is most accurate for components called "ohmic" or "linear" devices, such as resistors, which maintain a constant resistance regardless of the applied voltage or current. However, many real-world components, like diodes or transistors, are "non-ohmic" and do not follow Ohm's Law strictly. Understanding these limitations is crucial for accurate circuit analysis.
Q: What's the difference between Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws?
A:
While both are fundamental to electrical circuit analysis, Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws serve different purposes. Ohm's Law describes the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a single component or simple circuit. Kirchhoff's Laws, on the other hand, deal with the conservation of energy and charge in more complex circuits with multiple components and branches. Kirchhoff's Laws are used in conjunction with Ohm's Law to analyze more complicated circuits.
Q: How does the formula for Ohm's Law (V = IR) relate to real-world applications?
A:
The formula V = IR (Voltage = Current × Resistance) is the mathematical expression of Ohm's Law. In real-world applications, this formula helps engineers and technicians determine unknown values in a circuit. For example, if you know the voltage of a battery and the resistance of a light bulb, you can calculate the current flowing through the circuit. This is useful in designing everything from household appliances to complex industrial systems.
Q: What are the limitations of Ohm's Law?
A:
While Ohm's Law is widely applicable, it has limitations. It assumes a linear relationship between voltage and current, which is not always the case in real-world scenarios. It doesn't account for factors like temperature changes, electromagnetic interference, or the behavior of non-linear components like diodes. Additionally, it doesn't apply to alternating current (AC) circuits in the same straightforward way as it does to direct current (DC) circuits. Understanding these limitations is crucial for accurate circuit analysis and design.

Applications of Ohm’s law:

At constant temperature, ohm’s law can be applicable. Electricity's fundamental law is Ohm’s law. The applications of Ohm’s law are,

  • In an electric circuit, the current, potential difference and resistance can be determined.
  • The power efficiency of an electric circuit can be calculated.
  • Ohm’s law is applicable to the linear elements
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Failures of Ohm’s law:

  • The behaviour of devices such as diodes and transistors is not explained by Ohm’s law.
  • Ohm’s law does not give the expected result at the variable temperature.
  • Ohm’s law cannot be applicable to non-linear elements.

NCERT Physics Notes:

Uses of Ohm’s law:

  • We may control the speed of the fans in our residences by pushing the regulator back and forth.
  • The current going through the fan is regulated here by regulating the resistance via the regulator.
  • Using Ohm’s law, we can determine the resistance, current, and consequently power flowing for any given input value.

Experimental verification of Ohm’s law circuit diagram:

A parallel connection is made between a voltmeter and a resistor. An ammeter is interfaced to measure the current in the circuit. A variable resistor is connected to the circuit. Changing the resistance changes the potential drop across the resistor, affecting the amount of current flowing through it. We can deduct from the reading that current and potential vary linearly.

Ohm’s law circuit diagram

A Nichrome wire is connected between X and Y. When you use a copper wire rather than just a Nichrome wire in the same experiment, you'll need a different current for the same potential difference across the wire. If you replace the copper wire with an aluminium wire, the current running through it will have a different value. From the equation V=IR, you have learnt that VI must be equal to the resistance of the conductor used. The variations in the current for the same values of potential difference indicate that the resistance of different materials is different.

Ohm’s law for the magnetic circuit:

In a magnetic field, the magnetomotive force is proportional to the product of the number of turns around the core in which the flux can be produced and the current through the turns of the wire.

Fm=NI

Where,

Fm- Magnetomotive force

N – Number of turns around the core

I – Current flows through the turns of the wire.

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Numericals on Ohm’s law

1. A 12-clombs charge passes through a bulb in 5 seconds. How much current passes through the bulb?

Solution:

Charge, Q=12 C

Time,t=5 s

To find the current:

I=Q/t

I=12/5

I=2.4 A

Hence, the current flows through the bulb is 2.4 A

2. Moving a charge of 10 C across two locations in a circuit requires 100 J of labour. What could be the difference between the two points?

Solution:

Charge, Q=10 C

Work done, W=100 J

To get the possible difference between the points, do the following:

V=work done (w)/charge (Q)

V=100/10

V=10 Volt

Hence, the potential difference between the two points is 10 Volt.

3. Calculate the resistance of a conductor with a 2 A current and a 30 V potential difference between its ends.

Solution:

Current through the conductor, I=2 A

The potential difference between its ends, V=30 V

From Ohm’s law,

R=V/I

R=30/2

R=15 Ω

Hence, the resistance of the conductor is 15 Ω

4. A lamp of resistance 70 Ω draws a current of 0.75 A . Find the voltage

Solution:

Resistance, R=70 Ω

Current, I=0.75 A

To find the voltage:

From Ohm’s law,

V=IR

V=0.75(70)

V=52.5 V

Hence, the voltage of a lamp is 52.5 V

5. A bulb with a resistance of 400 ohms is connected to a 220 V power supply. Calculate the magnitude of the current

Solution:

Resistance, R=400 Ω

The potential difference, V=220 V

To find the magnitude of the current:

From Ohm’s law,

V=IR

I=V/R

I=220/400

I=0.55 A

Hence, the magnitude of the current is 0.55 A

6. When the potential across the filament of a bulb is 100 V, the current through it is found to be 2 A. Find the resistance of the filament.

Solution:

The potential across the filament, V=100 V

The flow of current, I=2 A

To find the resistance of the filament:

From Ohm’s law,

V=IR

R=V/I

R=100/2

R=50 Ω

Hence, the resistance of the filament is 50 Ω

7. A resistance of 15 Ω carries a current of 5 A. Calculate the voltage that has built up across the resistor.

Solution:

Resistance, R=15 Ω

Current, I=5 A

To find the voltage developed across the resistor:

From ohm’s law,

V=IR

V=(5)(15)

V=75 V

Hence, the voltage across the resistor is 75 V

8. A lamp draws a current of 0.91 A with a potential difference of 110 V. What is the resistance in the lamp?

Solution:

Current, I=0.91 A

The potential difference, V=110 V

To find the resistance in the lamp:

From ohm’s law,

V=IR

R=V/I

R=110/0.91

R=121 Ω

Hence, the resistance in the lamp is 121 Ω

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does Ohm's Law help in understanding the concept of electrical impedance matching?
A:
Ohm's Law is fundamental to understanding impedance matching, especially in its extended form for AC circuits. Impedance matching aims to maximize power transfer between a source and a load by ensuring their impedances are equal. While impedance is more complex than simple resistance, the principles of Ohm's Law still apply. By manipulating the relationship between voltage, current, and impe
Q: How can Ohm's Law be used to explain the concept of electrical resistance in different materials?
A:
Ohm's Law provides a framework for understanding electrical resistance in materials. The resistance of a material determines how much it opposes the flow of electric current for a given voltage. Materials with low resistance (good conductors) allow more current to flow for a given voltage, while materials with high resistance (insulators) allow less. By measuring the current flow for a known voltage, we can use Ohm's Law to calculate the resistance, helping categorize materials as conductors, semiconductors, or insulators. This application of Ohm's Law is fundamental in materials science and electrical engineering.
Q: How does Ohm's Law relate to the concept of power factor in AC circuits?
A:
While Ohm's Law itself doesn't directly address power factor, understanding it is crucial for grasping this concept. In AC circuits, power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power. Ohm's Law extended to AC (using impedance instead of resistance) helps calculate the apparent power. The difference between this and the actual power used is due to reactive components in the circuit. Understanding how voltage and current relate through impedance (the AC equivalent of resistance in Ohm's Law) is key to analyzing and improving power factor in AC systems.
Q: How does Ohm's Law help in understanding the function of a rheostat?
A:
Ohm's Law is key to understanding rheostats. A rheostat is a variable resistor used to control current in a circuit. By changing its resistance, a rheostat alters the current flow according to Ohm's Law (I = V/R). As the resistance increases, the current decreases, and vice versa. This allows for precise control of current in applications like dimming lights or controlling motor speed. Understanding this relationship through Ohm's Law is essential for properly designing and using rheostat-controlled circuits.
Q: What is the relationship between Ohm's Law and the concept of electrical load in a circuit?
A:
Ohm's Law is directly related to the concept of electrical load. An electrical load is any device that consumes power in a circuit, and it can be characterized by its resistance (or more generally, its impedance). According to Ohm's Law, the current drawn by a load depends on its resistance and the applied voltage. This relationship is crucial for designing power supplies and ensuring that circuits can handle the current demands of connected loads without overloading or voltage drops.
Q: How does Ohm's Law relate to the concept of electrical impedance in AC circuits?
A:
While Ohm's Law in its basic form (V = IR) applies to DC circuits, it can be extended to AC circuits through the concept of impedance. Impedance is a more general form of resistance that includes the effects of capacitance and inductance. In AC circuits, the relationship becomes V = IZ, where Z is the impedance. This extension of Ohm's Law allows for the analysis of more complex circuits with frequency-dependent components, crucial for understanding AC power systems and electronic devices.
Q: Can Ohm's Law be used to explain why birds don't get electrocuted on power lines?
A:
Yes, Ohm's Law helps explain this phenomenon. Birds on a single power line don't get electrocuted because there's no potential difference (voltage) across their bodies. Ohm's Law states that current flows only when there's a voltage difference. Since the bird is in contact with only one wire, there's no complete circuit through its body. However, if the bird were to touch another wire or a grounded object simultaneously, it would create a potential difference and a path for current, leading to electrocution.
Q: What is the significance of Ohm's Law in the design of LED lighting systems?
A:
Ohm's Law is crucial in designing LED lighting systems. LEDs require a specific voltage and current to operate efficiently and safely. Using Ohm's Law, designers can calculate the appropriate resistor values to limit the current flowing through the LED, preventing damage from overcurrent. Additionally, understanding the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance helps in designing efficient driver circuits that convert mains voltage to the lower voltages required by LEDs.
Q: What is the relationship between Ohm's Law and Joule heating in electrical circuits?
A:
Ohm's Law is directly related to Joule heating, also known as resistive heating. Joule heating occurs when electrical energy is converted to thermal energy as current flows through a resistor. The power dissipated as heat is given by P = I²R, which is derived from Ohm's Law (V = IR) and the power equation (P = VI). This relationship shows that the heat generated is proportional to the square of the current and the resistance, explaining why high-current devices or those with significant resistance tend to generate more heat.
Q: How does Ohm's Law relate to the concept of electrical conductivity?
A:
Ohm's Law is closely related to electrical conductivity. Conductivity is the inverse of resistivity, which is resistance per unit length and cross-sectional area. According to Ohm's Law, the current through a material is proportional to the voltage applied and inversely proportional to its resistance. Materials with high conductivity have low resistance, allowing more current to flow for a given voltage. This relationship helps in categorizing materials as conductors, semiconductors, or insulators based on their adherence to Ohm's Law.