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

9841 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between a bayron and a meson?


Derive an expression to show that for satellites in a circular orbit T² ∝ r ³ where T is the period of orbit and r is the radius of the orbit.


State what is meant by isotopes?


Describe simple harmonic motion (SHM). Sketch a displacement-time graph for a particle undergoing SHM and the corresponding velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs. Use these graphs to describe the relationship between accleration and displacment.


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning