Voltage drop

Definition

Voltage drop is the reduction in voltage across a component or resistor in an electrical circuit. It occurs due to the resistance that opposes the flow of current.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a series circuit, the total voltage drop equals the sum of the individual voltage drops across each resistor.
2. In a parallel circuit, all components share the same voltage drop, which is equal to the source voltage.
3. Ohm's Law ($V = IR$) can be used to calculate the voltage drop across a resistor.
4. Voltage drop can affect the performance and efficiency of electrical systems if not properly managed.
5. Measuring voltage drop helps in diagnosing issues such as poor connections and excessive resistance in circuits.

Review Questions

• How does voltage drop differ between series and parallel circuits?
• What formula is used to calculate the voltage drop across a resistor?
• Why is it important to consider voltage drop in designing electrical circuits?

Related terms

Ohm's Law: $V = IR$, where $V$ is voltage, $I$ is current, and $R$ is resistance.

Series Circuit: A type of circuit where resistors are arranged in a chain, so the current has only one path to take.

Parallel Circuit: A type of circuit where all components are connected across the same two points, providing multiple paths for current.