Table of Contents
Resistors are primarily used to limit current and divide voltages.
They also generate heat, which is usually simply wasted power that must be safely dissipated.
- Limits current
- Divides voltage
- Generates heat
Resistance limits current based on the voltage across it.
1 volt across 1 ohm of resistance will pass 1 amp of current. A component that has 1 volt across it while it passes 1 amp of current, produces 1 watt of heat. Therefore it should be rated for at least 2 watts.
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