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Formula Vault Physics Electricity
Physics · Electricity

Ohm’s Law

Voltage equals current times resistance.

V = IR

1What it means

Ohm’s law is the backbone of circuit analysis: for a fixed resistance, more voltage drives more current. Units: volts (V), amperes (A), ohms (Ω).

2Variables

SymbolMeaning
VVoltage / potential difference (V)
ICurrent (amperes, A)
RResistance (ohms, Ω)

3Worked examples

Example 1 Worked solution
Q. A 12 V battery drives 0.5 A through a resistor. Find R.
  1. V = IR ⇒ R = V / I.
  2. = 12 / 0.5.
✓ R = 24 Ω

4Where it's used

  • Designing and analysing electric circuits.
  • Choosing the right resistor for a current.

5Tips & common mistakes

  • !Rearrange as I = V/R or R = V/I as needed.
  • !Electrical power is P = VI = I²R.