Resistor: meaning, definitions and examples

A component specifically designed to resist the flow of electrical current in an electronic circuit.

• The circuit diagram shows a resistor connected in series with the LED.
• We need to add a resistor to limit the current.

A measure of the opposition to the current flow in an electrical circuit.

• The resistance of the wire increases with temperature.
• Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the resistor.

The total opposition a circuit offers to the flow of alternating current, encompassing both resistance and reactance.

• The impedance of the speaker must match that of the amplifier.
• Measuring the impedance can help diagnose issues in AC circuits.

A type of resistor that follows Ohm's Law precisely, meaning its resistance remains constant regardless of the voltage or current.

• An ohmic element will have a linear voltage-current relationship.
• The tungsten filament in an incandescent bulb can act like an ohmic element.