Resistors*

claimed by Benjamin Flamm

Resistors are elements that are inserted into circuits in order to oppose the flow of current. This page gives examples of computing resistance as well as the history, applications, and evolution of resistors.

The Main Idea

Resistors have many forms throughout modern technology and are applied in electronic industries ranging from basic manufacturing (lightbulbs, portable devices, etc.) to advanced biomedical instrumentation such as electrocardiogram devices. (electronicdesign.com)

The primary goal of a resistor is to limit the current that flows through a circuit. For example, a lightbulb is a very simple application of Tungsten or another material that has a high resistance. As electrons flow into the lightbulb, they begin to collide with themselves and the high number of charge carriers in the high-resistance filament. The result of these collisions is energy released as light and heat. See the Mathematical Model section for the relationship of these factors and how they determine resistance.

A Mathematical Model

What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example [math]\displaystyle{ {\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}}_{system} = \vec{F}_{net} }[/math] where p is the momentum of the system and F is the net force from the surroundings.

A Computational Model

How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript

Examples

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Connectedness

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2. How is it connected to your major?
3. Is there an interesting industrial application?

History

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See also

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Further reading

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External links

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References

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