How to Analyze Resistive Circuits Using Ohm's Law

Ohm's Law is a fundamental principle in the study of electrical circuits, and it states that the current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points. This law provides a powerful tool for analyzing resistive circuits, which are circuits that only contain resistors.

To analyze resistive circuits using Ohm's Law, follow these steps:

1. Identify the resistors in the circuit and their values: The values of the resistors can be obtained from their color codes or from the markings on their bodies.

2. Determine the voltage across each resistor: To do this, use a voltmeter to measure the voltage between the two points on either side of each resistor.

3. Calculate the current through each resistor: To do this, use Ohm's Law, which states that I = V/R, where I is the current, V is the voltage, and R is the resistance of the resistor. Thus, if you know the voltage and resistance of a resistor, you can calculate the current through it.

4. Calculate the total current in the circuit: To do this, use Kirchhoff's Current Law, which states that the total current entering a junction in a circuit is equal to the total current leaving the junction. This means that the sum of the currents through all the resistors in the circuit must be equal to the current supplied by the voltage source.

5. Calculate the voltage drop across each resistor: To do this, use Ohm's Law again, but this time rearrange the formula to solve for V instead of I. The formula becomes V = IR, where V is the voltage drop, I is the current, and R is the resistance of the resistor.

6. Verify your results: Check that the total voltage drops across all the resistors in the circuit add up to the voltage supplied by the voltage source, and that the total current in the circuit is consistent with the current supplied by the voltage source.

By following these steps, you can use Ohm's Law to analyze resistive circuits and calculate the current and voltage at various points in the circuit. This can be useful in designing and troubleshooting electrical circuits.