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

2300 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A note was played on a a keyboard. The frequency of the note was 440 Hz. (a) What does a frequency of 440 Hz mean? (b) The sound waves produced by the keyboard travel at a speed of 340 m/s. Calculate the wavelength of the note.


If Max weighed 17.2 N on Ceres (gravitational field strength of 0.27 N/kg), then what would she weigh on Earth. Give your answer to 3 s.f. and state your units.


Can you explain what the flux of a light source is?


Describe the energy transfers taking place when a person is running up a hill


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