Draw the I-V curves of both an ideal resistor and a filament bulb. Explain the key features of both.

Plot: I-V curve of an ideal resistor is a straight line with a positive gradient passing through (0,0)The I-V curve of an ideal resistor is a straight line because ideal resistors strictly obey Ohm's law (V = IR). The gradient is constant because the resistance does not change. The line should pass through the origin because no current can flow with zero applied potential difference.Plot: The I-V curve of a filament bulb is a sub-linear line passing through (0,0)The I-V curve of a filament bulb has a decreasing gradient as voltage increases. This is because as more voltage (or current) is applied, the temperature of the filament increases. The atoms making up the filament will therefore increase in energy and an increase in their movement. The rate of collisions between the electrons and the lattice will increase. The resistance of the filament therefore increases. The line should still pass through the origin because no current can flow with zero applied voltage.

JA
Answered by Jacob A. Physics tutor

8630 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the definition of the photoelectric effect?


Asteroid of mass 10^16 kg is travelling in the equatorial plane of Earth. It hits the surface at 45°. After the impact the day shortens by 1% (15 mins). How fast was the asteroid - comment? Neglect effects of atmosphere. Consider only inelastic collision.


Outline the principal features of a geostationary orbit and use them to explain one use of satellites in this type of orbit.


Steel has a density of 8030kg/m^3. Show that a steel ball with a diameter of 5cm weighs approximately 5N


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