Difference between load and resistor
We know that a resistor can be considered as a load. Now the question is, if we increase the resistance according to ohm's law V = IR, the current must fall. Again we say that if the load is increased in the circuit, current consumption gets higher. So the question is, what happens to the circuit current if the load is increased or decreased?
Updated: I have updated the answer.
Understanding the Difference Between Load and Resistor: Implications on Circuit Current
Let’s start with the basics; which I hope you’ve paid attention to in your electrical engineering class.
Introduction:
In electronics, two of the fundamental concepts are "load" and "resistor."
To understand these, one must comprehend the rudimentary principles of Ohm's Law, which states that the voltage across an electronic device is equal to the current flowing through it times the resistance of the device (V = I*R).
In this context, we will demystify the concepts of load and resistor and how they affect the current in a circuit.
Resistor:
A resistor is a two-terminal passive electronic component designed to implement a specific amount of resistance to the flow of electric current.
It follows Ohm's Law, where an increase in resistance results in a decrease in current when the voltage is kept constant. This phenomenon happens because resistance is inversely proportional to the current.
Therefore, when resistance rises, it restricts the flow of electric charges (current) through the circuit, assuming the applied voltage is unchanged.
Load:
On the other hand, the term 'load' in an electrical circuit refers to any device or component connected to the circuit that consumes electrical power.
It can be any electrical device like a resistor, motor, or lamp, where electrical energy is transformed into another form such as heat, mechanical work, or light.
When the term "increasing the load" is used, it may refer to adding more load devices to the circuit, not increasing the resistance of a single load.
In a parallel circuit configuration, adding more load (more devices) effectively decreases the total resistance and increases the total current drawn from the source, provided the source voltage remains constant.
Load versus Resistor:
While a resistor can be a load, not all loads are resistors.
For example, loads such as motors and inductors not only have resistance but also exhibit inductance.
Similarly, capacitors have capacitance along with some resistance. These components react differently to AC signals due to these additional properties.
However, to address the initial question - when we increase the resistance of a single load in a circuit, according to Ohm's law, the current does indeed decrease, provided the voltage remains constant.
On the other hand, when we say "increasing the load" in the sense of adding more devices (in parallel configuration), we effectively decrease the total resistance seen by the power source.
This reduction in overall resistance results in a higher current being drawn from the source, given that the source voltage remains constant.
Conversely, if we were to add more devices in a series configuration, this would increase the total resistance, thus decreasing the current flow.
Conclusion:
In summary, the effect on circuit current depends largely on how the load is increased or decreased - whether by altering the resistance of a single component or by adding or removing components.
In addition, the configuration of the circuit - series or parallel - plays a crucial role. The key to understanding these changes lies in a thorough understanding of Ohm's Law and the difference between a load and a resistor.
