Why do things get hot when electricity is pasted through them?

Electricity is the flow of electrons through a material. But for electrons to pass through a material they have to give up some energy, this is called a material's resistance. The energy that is lost from the flow of electrons, due to a material's resistance, is passed onto the material in the form of heat, which makes the material hotter.

PR
Answered by Peter R. Physics tutor

2113 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

In the early 20th Century the plum pudding model of the atom was replaced by the nuclear model of the atom, explain why this happened.


How do I remember all the formulas I will need for questions.


When is a system in equilibrium?


Compare the wavelength, frequency and speed of an emitted and reflected microwave


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning