How Resistor Work - Unravel the Mysteries of How Resistors Work!

The Engineering Mindset
12 Mar 202328:22
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis informative video delves into the world of resistors, explaining their function in managing electrical current and protecting components within circuits. It explores various types of resistors, including fixed and variable options, and illustrates how their physical construction influences their resistance values and power ratings. The video also touches on the color coding system for reading resistance values and the importance of resistor ratings in preventing circuit damage due to excessive heat or current. Practical demonstrations and comparisons, such as the effects of different resistors on LED brightness, are provided to enhance understanding.

Takeaways
  • πŸ”₯ Resistors can burst into flames if they generate too much heat due to excessive current that they cannot dissipate.
  • 🎨 Resistors come in various types, including carbon film, metal film, and wire wound, each with its own construction and applications.
  • πŸ“ The stripes on resistors represent their resistance values, with different color codes corresponding to different resistance levels.
  • πŸš€ Resistors work by adding resistance to a circuit, thereby reducing the flow of electrons and protecting components from excessive current.
  • πŸ’‘ The electrical energy passing through a resistor is converted into heat, which is why resistors can become hot to the touch.
  • πŸ”§ Variable resistors, like potentiometers and rheostats, allow for manual adjustment of resistance to control current and voltage in a circuit.
  • 🌑️ Specialized resistors like thermistors and light dependent resistors (LDRs) automatically adjust their resistance based on temperature and light exposure, respectively.
  • πŸ”§ Wire wound resistors are used for high power and current applications, with their resistance determined by the wire's thickness, length, and material.
  • πŸ”„ Surface mount device (SMD) resistors are compact and soldered directly onto circuit boards, with their resistance value indicated by numbers on the top.
  • βš™οΈ Resistors have maximum ratings for resistance, voltage, and power, exceeding which can lead to damage or destruction of the resistor.
  • πŸ”Œ The placement of a resistor in a series circuit does not affect its function, whether it is placed before or after an LED, the current remains the same.
Q & A
  • What is the primary function of a resistor in a circuit?

    -The primary function of a resistor is to limit the flow of electric current and reduce voltage. It does this by adding resistance to the circuit, which helps protect components from excessive current that could damage or destroy them.

  • How does a resistor work in terms of electron flow?

    -A resistor works by making it harder for electrons to flow through a circuit. It acts like a traffic jam, restricting the number of electrons that can pass through at any given time. The resistor converts the kinetic energy of the electrons into heat through collisions, thereby limiting the current.

  • What is the unit of measurement for resistance?

    -Resistance is measured in ohms, symbolized by the Greek letter omega (Ξ©).

  • What are the different types of resistors mentioned in the script and how do they differ?

    -The script mentions several types of resistors: carbon film resistors, metal film resistors, carbon composite resistors, wire wound resistors, surface mount device (SMD) resistors, potentiometers, rheostats, fusible resistors, varistors, thermistors, and light dependent resistors (LDRs). They differ in their construction, materials used, resistance values, power ratings, and applications. For example, carbon film resistors are common and cost-effective, while wire wound resistors offer high power and current ratings.

  • How can you tell the resistance value of a resistor with colored stripes?

    -The colored stripes on a resistor represent its resistance value. These stripes are read using a color code chart, where each color corresponds to a digit or a multiplier. The first two digits represent the significant figures, the multiplier stripe indicates how many zeros to add, and the final stripe represents the tolerance of the resistor.

  • What happens when a resistor is overloaded?

    -When a resistor is overloaded, it generates excessive heat. If the heat is beyond the resistor's capacity to dissipate, the temperature increases significantly, potentially leading to the resistor bursting into flames or melting, which can cause damage to the circuit or start a fire.

  • What is a potentiometer and how is it used in a circuit?

    -A potentiometer is a type of variable resistor with a dial that allows for manual adjustment of the resistance. It is used in circuits to control the current flow and voltage levels. By moving the dial, the length of the resistive track that the current flows through is altered, which changes the resistance and the voltage drop across the potentiometer.

  • How do thermistors respond to changes in temperature?

    -Thermistors are thermal resistors that change their resistance with temperature. There are two types: NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistors, which decrease in resistance as temperature increases, and PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistors, which increase in resistance with rising temperature.

  • What is the purpose of a fusible resistor?

    -A fusible resistor is designed to protect a circuit from overload. When the current exceeds a certain threshold, the fusible resistor heats up and breaks the circuit, acting like a fuse to prevent damage to other components in the circuit.

  • What is the significance of the voltage drop across a resistor?

    -The voltage drop across a resistor is the reduction in electric potential as current flows through it. This is a result of the resistor's opposition to the flow of current. The voltage drop can be used to control the power delivered to a component or to create voltage dividers and current dividers in a circuit.

  • How can you control the current in a circuit using a resistor?

    -By increasing the resistance value in a circuit, you can reduce the current flow, as per Ohm's Law, which states that current (I) is equal to voltage (V) divided by resistance (R). Conversely, decreasing the resistance will allow more current to flow. This can be achieved by using resistors with appropriate values or by using variable resistors like potentiometers or rheostats.

  • What is the role of a varistor in an electrical circuit?

    -A varistor, also known as a voltage-dependent resistor (VDR), is a type of non-linear resistor whose resistance changes significantly with changes in applied voltage. It is typically used to protect circuits against voltage spikes or surges by acting as a high resistor under normal voltage conditions and rapidly becoming a low resistor to short-circuit the voltage when it exceeds a certain threshold.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ”₯ Understanding Resistors and Their Functions

This paragraph introduces the concept of resistors, explaining their role in protecting components within a circuit by limiting the flow of electrons and converting electrical energy into heat. It discusses the various types of resistors, their physical appearance, and the symbolic representation in engineering drawings. The importance of resistors in preventing damage to sensitive components, such as LEDs, is highlighted. Additionally, the video touches on the sponsorship and availability of resistors for purchase.

05:02
πŸ“ Types and Construction of Resistors

This section delves into the different types of resistors, including carbon composite, carbon film, and metal film resistors. It explains the construction and functioning of each type, emphasizing how their physical characteristics affect resistance values. The paragraph also describes how resistors are identified through colored stripes and their tolerance levels. The importance of understanding resistor specifications for effective circuit design is underscored.

10:05
🌑️ Variable Resistors and Their Applications

The paragraph discusses variable resistors, such as potentiometers and rheostats, which allow for manual adjustment of resistance values. It explains their construction, how they function, and their applications in circuits. Additionally, the video covers automatically adjustable resistors like thermistors and varistors, which change resistance based on temperature or voltage. The importance of these components in various electronic applications is highlighted.

15:06
πŸ”§ Working with Resistors in Circuits

This section demonstrates practical applications of resistors in circuits, including their use in current and voltage regulation. It explains how resistors can be used to create voltage and current dividers, allowing for control over circuit output. The video also illustrates the consequences of using resistors with inappropriate ratings, such as overheating and potential fire hazards. The educational content is complemented by a hands-on demonstration using a test board and a 9-volt battery.

20:07
πŸ’‘ LED Circuits and Resistor Placement

The final paragraph addresses the question of resistor placement in relation to LEDs, clarifying that the position does not affect the circuit's function. It provides a comprehensive explanation of how resistors, in conjunction with LEDs and potentiometers, can be used to control the brightness of an LED. The paragraph concludes with a summary of the key points discussed in the video and encourages further learning in electronics engineering.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Resistors
Resistors are electronic components that limit or regulate the flow of electric current in a circuit. They are used to protect components from excessive current that could cause damage. In the video, it is explained that resistors work by adding resistance to a circuit, similar to a traffic jam, and they convert electrical energy into heat, which is why they can become hot.
πŸ’‘Ohms
Ohms is the unit of measurement for electrical resistance. It quantifies how much a resistor resists the flow of electric current. The higher the ohm value, the greater the resistance. In the context of the video, resistors are rated in ohms, and understanding this measurement is crucial for correctly selecting and applying resistors in electronic circuits.
πŸ’‘LED
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it. In the video, an LED is used as an example to demonstrate the function of resistors, showing that without a resistor, an LED connected to a battery could be destroyed due to excessive current.
πŸ’‘Heat Dissipation
Heat dissipation refers to the process of releasing heat from a component to prevent overheating. Resistors generate heat as they convert electrical energy into heat while limiting current flow. The video explains that resistors with larger surface areas can dissipate more heat, which is why their size is related to their power rating.
πŸ’‘Color Codes
Color codes are a system used on resistors to indicate their resistance value. These are typically a series of colored stripes that, when read according to a specific chart, reveal the resistance in ohms. The video provides an in-depth explanation of how to read these color codes, which is essential for identifying and selecting the correct resistors for a circuit.
πŸ’‘Voltage Drop
Voltage drop is the decrease in electric potential across a component in a circuit. In the case of resistors, as current flows through them, some of the electrical energy is converted into heat, resulting in a drop in voltage. The video explains that there is a voltage drop across the resistor and that this concept is used to create voltage dividers in circuits.
πŸ’‘Current
Current is the flow of electric charge (electrons) through a circuit. It is measured in amperes (amps) and is a fundamental concept in understanding how resistors function. The video script explains that resistors limit the current flow, protecting components from too much current, which could lead to damage or destruction.
πŸ’‘Power Dissipation
Power dissipation is the amount of power (in watts) that a resistor converts to heat as current flows through it. It is a critical factor in determining the appropriate resistor for a circuit, as too high power dissipation can lead to overheating and potential failure of the resistor. The video provides examples of how different resistors handle power dissipation under various conditions.
πŸ’‘Potentiometers
Potentiometers are variable resistors that can be adjusted to vary the resistance in a circuit. They are used for applications like volume control or adjusting the output voltage in a circuit. The video describes how potentiometers function, including their internal resistive track and how moving a dial changes the resistance and current flow.
πŸ’‘SMD (Surface Mount Device)
SMD or Surface Mount Device resistors are a type of resistor that is soldered directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board. They are compact and used in dense electronic assemblies. The video script mentions SMD resistors and contrasts them with through-hole resistors, highlighting their different applications and the necessity of specialized equipment for very small SMD components.
πŸ’‘Fusible Resistors
Fusible resistors are a type of resistor designed to protect circuits by breaking the circuit when they are overloaded with too much current. Instead of catching fire like a standard resistor, a fusible resistor will heat up and snap, cutting the circuit. The video script explains this protective function and how it differs from a standard resistor's behavior under overload conditions.
Highlights

Resistors function by reducing electrical current and protecting components in a circuit, acting as a traffic jam for electrons rather than a speed bump.

The resistance is measured in ohms, and the resistor's role is to make it harder for electrons to flow by adding resistance.

Resistors come in various types, including fixed and variable resistors, with the latter including potentiometers and rheostats for manual adjustment.

The physical construction of resistors, such as carbon composite, carbon film, and metal film types, determines their resistance values and power ratings.

Resistors can be identified by colored stripes that indicate their resistance values, with different types of resistors using different color coding systems.

Resistors generate heat and can burst into flames if they reach a temperature where they cannot dissipate sufficient heat.

Wire wound resistors offer high power and current ratings, and their design includes a wire wrapped around a ceramic core.

Surface mount device (SMD) resistors are used for compact circuit boards and are soldered directly onto the metal pads.

Fusible resistors act like fuses, breaking the circuit when overloaded to prevent damage to the circuit.

Variable resistors like thermistors and light dependent resistors (LDRs) automatically adjust their resistance based on temperature or light exposure.

Strain gauges are sensors that change resistance under stress, deforming and allowing for the measurement of pressure or weight.

Resistors can be used to create voltage dividers, controlling output voltage by the resistor values.

Potentiometers can be used to vary the resistance in a circuit, acting as a rheostat to control current and brightness in LEDs.

Resistors can also create current dividers when connected in parallel, sharing the current and power.

The placement of a resistor before or after an LED does not affect the circuit's function, as the current remains the same.

Understanding resistors' function and specifications is crucial for effective electronic circuit design and component protection.

Transcripts
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