What Are Resistors?

Resistors are electronics component that opposes the flow of electricity in a circuit. Resistors are used to adjust current and voltage in electrical circuits, just like taps are used to adjust the flow of tap water.

These can be used not only to control the flow of current but also to distribute voltage in a circuit. Resistors are needed for electronic circuits to operate under suitable conditions.

Resistors are made of materials that oppose the flow of electricity as it passes through them. In this way, they can control the flow of current throughout the circuit. When the current is reduced by a resistor, the excess electrical energy is converted into heat.

Resistors are available in a variety of forms, including the following major varieties:

1. Fixed resistors
2. Variable resistor
3. Potentiometers

The major types of static resistors include carbon-film resistors and metal-film resistors, which incorporate a carbon or metal coating, respectively.

The resistance value of these resistors is fixed. Variable resistors have resistance values ​​that can be changed. Potentiometers are a type of variable resistor used to fine-tune voltage and current.

Resistance with a Sinusoidal Supply:

When the switches are in OFF mode, an AC voltage (V) is applied across the resistor (R). This voltage can force the current to run. This current will increase & decrease as the mains voltage rises and falls with sinusoidal form.

The voltage and currents will both reach their peak amount or maximums because the load is resistances & back to zero value at exactly the same time, i.e., they rectify and reduce simultaneously and are presented as “in-phase.” Huh. Consider the diagram given below.

Then the current moving within the AC resistance transforms over time into a sinusoidal format and is represented by the frequency equation of I(t), where I am the maximums value of the current & is the coefficient of the phase angles.

We can also attribute this to a particular current, which is the current flowing within the resistor. So, the peak voltage or maximum across the terminals of R can be obtained by Ohm’s law:

V(t)=RI(t)=R.{I }_{m}.sin(\omega t+\theta )V(t)=R.I(t)=R.Im.sin(ωt+θ)

And the received amount of current can be calculated as:

{ i }_{ R(t)}={ I }_{ R(max)}.sin (\omega t)iR(t)=IR(max).sin(ωt)

So, for a particulars resistive system, the alternating current in the resistor modifies relative to the voltage employed through it, following the same sinusoidal pattern. Since the basic frequency is equal to both the current and the voltage, their phases will also have the same value.

In other words, there are no phases shifts between voltage and current when AC resistance is applied. Therefore, whenever voltage attains minimum, maximum, and zero values ​​in its sinusoidal diagram, current can attain its minimum, maximum, and zero-sum.

Sinusoidal Waveforms for AC Resistance:

This “in-phase” effect can also be introduced by a phasing condition. Resistance in the complex domain is a real value which means there is no imaginary amount. Thus, since both current and voltage are in the same phase with each other, there will be no phase shift (θ = 0) between them.

So, the vectors of each value are presented in super-imposed mode and shown in the same reference axis. The transformation model from the phase format versus the sinusoidal domain of time can be derived in the next section.

Phasor Diagram for AC Resistance

The RMS sum of the current and voltage quantities as a phase varies for the vector that presents the maximum or peak values, separating the peak amounts of the time terms above √2 to the main current-voltage phase equation. The RMS relation is projected as.

I=\frac { { I }_{ m } }{ \sqrt { 2 } } <\thetaI=2 Im<θ

V=\frac { R.{ I }_{ M } }{ \sqrt { 2 } } <\thetaV=2 R.Im<θ

R=\frac {V }{ I } =\frac { (R.{ I }_{m })/\sqrt { 2 } <\theta }{ { (I }_{m })/\sqrt { 2 } <\theta }R=IV=(Im)/2<θ (R.Im)/2<θ

And the phase relationship can be obtained as follows:

V=R.{ I }_{rms }<\theta V=R.irms<θ

I={ I }_{ rms }<\thetaI=Irms<θ

V<{ \theta }_{ V }={ I }<{ \theta }_{ I } V<θ V=I<θ I

{ \theta }_{ v }={ \theta }_{ i }(in-phase)θ v=θ i(in−phase)

It presents that a fixed resistance in an AC system produces an equation between its current and voltage phasors in the same way as it operates in a DC system with the same resistor current and voltage diagram. However, in the DC diagram, this equation is usually named resistance, as introduced by Ohm’s law.

What Is Impedance?

Impedance is the number of resistances that components offer to the current flow in a circuit at a specific frequency.

These articles will talk about how impedance is similar and how it differs from just plain resistance. First, we’ll look at the similarities of the two. Impedance, like resistance, is a value that characterizes the amount of resistance of a component to the flow of electric current.

And like resistance, the unit of measurement of impedance is the Ohm (Ω). However, unlike resistance, the impedance varies in the sense that the amount of resistance for a component’s signal varies with the frequency of the signal.

This means that the resistances of the components vary depending on the frequencies of the signal entering the component.

Resistances is a value & measure that is independent of frequency. It does not take into accounts frequencies of the signal passing through it, as the frequencies do not affect the resistances of the non-reactive components.

However, reactive components (which we will discuss below) change the amount of resistance they provide to the circuit depending on the frequency of the input signal.

But the impedance varies according to the frequencies of the signals entering it. These are the differences between resistance and impedance.

So the next step to answer is which components are affected by frequency and provide different resistance depending on the frequency and which components do not change as the frequency enters? And the answer is, non-reactive components do not care about the frequency of the signal entering the component.

They do not change the resistance value depending on the input frequency. One such component is the resistor, which operates independently of frequency. Whether the voltage passing through it is DC or AC does not affect the amount of resistance it offers. This is the same for both DC and AC signals.

However, the reactive components, there are two main capacitors and inductors, change the resistance value depending on the frequency of the signal entering them. Capacitors are reactive devices that have high impedance at low frequencies and low impedance at high frequencies.

As the frequency increases, the response decreases. Inductors are devices that have low impedance at low frequencies and high impedance at high frequencies. As the frequency increases, the impedance increases. These are known as inductive reactance and capacitive reactance.

Impedance is an important concept to understand because most electronic circuits use capacitors and inductors. The main thing to understand is that they are frequency-dependent.

In both AC and DC cases, these V–I diagrams are usually linear across a fixed resistance. Therefore, when applying resistors to an AC system, the impedance with the symbol Z is usually used for its resistance. Consequently, we can correctly explain that the DC resistance is equal to the AC impedance for resistors or Z = R.

The vector of impedances is provided by the letter (Z) for AC systems similar to DC circuits with the unit of an ohm (Ω). So, the impedance can be evaluated as:

Z=\frac { V }{ I } \Omega ‘sZ=IVΩ′s

Impedance can also be introduced by complex values as it is based on the frequency of the system when specialized equipment is used. But as a constant resistive system, this component is always zero, and the final formula for impedance in this particular circuit would be:

Z=R+j0=\quad R\Omega ‘sZ=R+j0=RΩ′s

Since the phase shift between current and voltage in a completely resistive AC system is zero, the power coefficient must also be zero. So, the powers employed by the resistors can be evaluated by:

P=VI={V }_{ m }.sin(\omega t).{ I }_{m }.sin(\omega t)={V }_{m }{ I }_{ m }{ sin }^{ 2 }(\omega t)P=VI=Vm.sin(ωt).Im.sin(ωt)=VmImsin2(ωt)

{P }_{max }={sin }^{ 2 }(\omega t)\quad where\quad {P }_{max }={ V }_{max }{I }_{max}Pmax=sin2 (ωt)where Pmax=VmaxImax

However, because the average power in a resistive system is based on phase shift and is always zero in a fixed resistor diagram, the power coefficients are equals to the powers of the average used by the AC resistance & can be measured by applying Ohm’s law. Can be offered:

{ P }={ V }{ I }={ I }^{ 2 }R=\fracs { { V }^{ 2 } }{ R } \quad wattsP=VI=I2R=RV2watts

Which is equivalent to Ohm’s law for a DC system. So, the effective energy used by the AC resistance is the same as the power used by the particular resistor in the DC system.

Many AC systems, including heating circuits & lamps, have just a fixed ohmic resistance. In these circuits, we can use both Kirchhoff’s law, Ohm’s law, and simple circuit equations to evaluate and find out DC system analysis such as current, voltage, impedance, and energy. When working with such methods, it is typical to employ RMS values.

Impedance Summary:

In a particular resistance in an AC circuit, both voltage and current are “in-phase” as there is no phase shift in the system. The current flow within the resistance is directly related to voltage in an AC system with a linear relationship that can be represented as an impedance.

The impedance, which is introduced into a fixed resistance by the Z sign, is a complex number including a real segment which is the practical resistance value (R), and an imaginary zero segment (j0).

Therefore, Ohm’s laws can be applied in systems with AC resistance to evaluating these currents and voltages. Now, we can consider two circuits to better understand the topic of resistance vs. impedance.

In-circuit (1), there is only one resistance part (R) connected to the AC supply. This resistance is the entire spare part of the circuit.

The value of the device that controls the flow of current in an AC system is usually called impedance. So, the impedance of this circuit can be presented as Z = R, and the imaginary value of this element is zero.

In-circuit (2), the current monitoring devices are L, R, and C, and therefore their junctions, all together, can be considered as impedances.

The amount of impedance can be calculated by the formula Z = R + j(ωL-1/ωC) where (-j/ωC) and jωL are the capacitive and inductive reactance, respectively. Being equal to 2πf, the impedance value is based on the supply frequency.

Resistance VS Impedance:

Key Differences to Understand Resistance Vs. Impedance:

The main differences between resistance & impedance are briefly explained below and with a comparison chart: Resistance is used in electrical diagrams to control the flow of electric current.

This current can be AC ​​or DC. Regardless of the nature of the current, resistance determines the flow of currents.

Impedances are a general term for a combination of inductive reactance, resistance, or capacitive type of reactance. This means a complex of resistance and different types of reactance in different sizes and formats.

Resistance is used in both DC and AC systems, whereas impedance is employed only in AC circuits. Resistance is determined by (R) in diagrams and equations, while impedance is represented by (Z).

Resistances are a specific value including only a real number—for example, 5 ohms, 10 ohms, etc. But impedance includes both imaginary and real numbers.

For example, 5R+10ij, where 10R is the real value & 10ij is the imaginary segment. Multiple resistors are added only in a mathematical format.

This means that if there are three resistances, R1, R2, and R3, the total sum will be (R1+R2+R3). On the other hand, we cannot add two or more impedances by these methods. They must be added vectorially.

Resistance values of systems do not modify depending on the frequency of DC or AC, whereas the impedance changes with variation in frequency. The impedance includes both the phase angle and magnitude, whereas the phase change does not occur in the composition of the resistance.

If resistors are placed in an electromagnetic field, they show power dissipation in any material. Similarly, if the impedance is subject to an electromagnetic system, it presents both energy storage and power dissipation. Active power is used by the resistance.

In impedance, the active power is used by the resistive section, and the passive power is used by the inductive sections. The next figures show comparison charts in a concise format to understand the resistance vs. impedance topic more clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Resistors and Impedance

What is a resistor?

A resistor is an electronic component that opposes the flow of electricity in a circuit. It is used to adjust current and voltage in electrical circuits, much like a tap adjusts the flow of water.

What are the main types of resistors?

The main types of resistors include:

1. Fixed resistors
2. Variable resistors
3. Potentiometers

How does a resistor work?

Resistors work by opposing the flow of electricity through a material that converts excess electrical energy into heat, thereby controlling the flow of current in a circuit.

What materials are used to make resistors?

Resistors are typically made from materials that have high resistance to electrical flow, such as carbon or metal films.

What is impedance?

Impedance is the measure of resistance that components offer to the current flow in a circuit at a specific frequency. It combines resistance with reactance and is measured in Ohms (Ω).

How is impedance different from resistance?

Resistance is the opposition to current flow in a DC circuit and is frequency-independent. Impedance, on the other hand, varies with frequency and includes both resistance and reactance, making it relevant in AC circuits.

What is reactance?

Reactance is the opposition to the change in current flow in a circuit, caused by inductors and capacitors. It varies with frequency and is a component of impedance.

How does impedance affect AC circuits?

In AC circuits, impedance determines how much resistance a circuit has to the flow of alternating current. It includes both the resistive and reactive components, affecting the overall current and voltage relationship.

Can resistors be used in both AC and DC circuits?

Yes, resistors can be used in both AC and DC circuits to control the flow of current and distribute voltage appropriately.

What is the significance of the phase angle in impedance?

The phase angle in impedance represents the shift between the voltage and current waveforms in an AC circuit. It is an important factor in determining the overall impedance and power dissipation in the circuit.

What are the key differences between resistance and impedance?

1. Resistance is used in both AC and DC circuits, while impedance is specific to AC circuits.
2. Resistance is a real value, while impedance includes both real and imaginary components.
3. Impedance varies with frequency, whereas resistance remains constant regardless of frequency.

How is impedance measured?

Impedance is measured using an impedance analyzer, which can evaluate both the resistive and reactive components of a circuit at different frequencies.

Why is understanding impedance important in electronic circuits?

Understanding impedance is crucial because most electronic circuits involve capacitors and inductors, which affect the overall resistance depending on the signal frequency. This knowledge helps in designing efficient and functional circuits.

What happens when a resistor is placed in an electromagnetic field?

When a resistor is placed in an electromagnetic field, it primarily dissipates power in the form of heat, regardless of whether it is in a DC or AC circuit.

How do inductors and capacitors affect impedance?

Inductors increase impedance at higher frequencies, while capacitors decrease impedance at higher frequencies. These components introduce inductive and capacitive reactance, respectively, altering the overall impedance of the circuit.

What is the relationship between impedance and Ohm’s law?

In AC circuits, impedance is used in place of resistance in Ohm’s law to evaluate the relationship between current and voltage. The formula is Z = V/I, where Z is impedance, V is voltage, and I is current.

What is the RMS value in AC circuits?

The RMS (Root Mean Square) value in AC circuits represents the effective value of alternating current or voltage, which corresponds to the same power dissipation as an equivalent DC value.

How can we calculate the impedance of a circuit with resistors, inductors, and capacitors?

The impedance (Z) of a circuit with resistors (R), inductors (L), and capacitors (C) can be calculated using the formula: Z=R+j(ωL−1ωC)Z = R + j(\omega L – \frac{1}{\omega C})Z=R+j(ωL−ωC1​) where $\omega$ is the angular frequency of the AC supply.

What is the significance of the phase shift in AC circuits with impedance?

The phase shift in AC circuits with impedance indicates the time difference between the peak values of voltage and current waveforms. This shift affects the power dissipation and overall performance of the circuit.

Can impedance be represented as a complex number?

Yes, impedance can be represented as a complex number, with the real part representing resistance and the imaginary part representing reactance. This representation helps in analyzing and calculating the behavior of AC circuits.