Which term describes devices that obey Ohm's Law?

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

Which term describes devices that obey Ohm's Law?

Explanation:
Ohm's Law describes a constant-resistance situation: V = IR. When a component’s resistance stays the same as voltage and current change, the current is directly proportional to the voltage. Such devices have a constant resistance and a straight-line V–I relationship through the origin, which means they obey Ohm's Law. This behavior is captured by the term Ohmic. In contrast, devices like a light-dependent resistor or a diode don’t keep a constant resistance. The LDR changes its resistance with light level, and a diode conducts in a nonlinear way with a threshold, so their current–voltage relationship isn’t proportional. Hence they are non-Ohmic.

Ohm's Law describes a constant-resistance situation: V = IR. When a component’s resistance stays the same as voltage and current change, the current is directly proportional to the voltage. Such devices have a constant resistance and a straight-line V–I relationship through the origin, which means they obey Ohm's Law. This behavior is captured by the term Ohmic.

In contrast, devices like a light-dependent resistor or a diode don’t keep a constant resistance. The LDR changes its resistance with light level, and a diode conducts in a nonlinear way with a threshold, so their current–voltage relationship isn’t proportional. Hence they are non-Ohmic.

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