What term describes devices whose resistance does not remain constant under changing conditions?

Study for the IGCSE Physics Electricity. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What term describes devices whose resistance does not remain constant under changing conditions?

Explanation:
Non-Ohmic describes devices whose resistance changes when conditions such as voltage, current, temperature, or light change. Ohmic devices follow Ohm’s law, so their resistance stays constant and the current is proportional to the voltage, giving a straight-line V–I relationship. In contrast, the LDR and the diode don’t keep a fixed resistance—their current–voltage behavior is nonlinear because factors like light level or forward bias alter how easily current flows. So the term that fits devices whose resistance does not stay constant under changing conditions is non-ohmic. An ohmic resistor would have a constant resistance, while the LDR and diode illustrate non-ohmic behavior.

Non-Ohmic describes devices whose resistance changes when conditions such as voltage, current, temperature, or light change. Ohmic devices follow Ohm’s law, so their resistance stays constant and the current is proportional to the voltage, giving a straight-line V–I relationship. In contrast, the LDR and the diode don’t keep a fixed resistance—their current–voltage behavior is nonlinear because factors like light level or forward bias alter how easily current flows. So the term that fits devices whose resistance does not stay constant under changing conditions is non-ohmic. An ohmic resistor would have a constant resistance, while the LDR and diode illustrate non-ohmic behavior.

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