Definition

1. Noun:
   • A material's opposition to the flow of electric current: Electric resistance is the property of a substance that impedes or restricts the movement of electrical charge through it. It is a fundamental concept in physics and electrical engineering, determining how much current will flow for a given voltage.
   • Measured in ohms: The standard unit of measurement for electric resistance is the ohm (symbol: Ω).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Copper wire has a very low electric resistance, making it excellent for conducting electricity.
  • The engineer calculated the circuit's total electric resistance before selecting the appropriate components.
  • Increasing the temperature of a conductor usually increases its electric resistance.

Advanced Usage

• "To measure electric resistance": To determine the opposition to current flow in a component or material.
  • We used a multimeter to measure the electric resistance of the resistor.
• "Internal electric resistance": The opposition to current flow within a power source, such as a battery.
  • A battery with high internal electric resistance will deliver less current to a circuit.

Variants and Related Words

• Resistance (n): A common shortened form of "electric resistance."
  • The resistance of this component is 100 ohms.
• Resistor (n): A specific electrical component designed to provide a known amount of electric resistance in a circuit.
  • I need a 1kΩ resistor for this part of the circuit.
• Resistive (adj): Having the property of electric resistance.
  • The material's resistive properties were tested in the lab.

Synonyms

• Electrical resistance: A fully equivalent term.
• Impedance (n): In AC circuits, a more general measure of opposition to current flow that includes resistance and reactance. (Note: In DC circuits, impedance is equal to resistance.)
• Ohmic resistance: Resistance that obeys Ohm's Law (Voltage = Current × Resistance).

Related Phrases

• "To offer resistance": To provide opposition to current flow.
  • The long, thin wire offers more resistance than a short, thick one.
• "Resistance is futile": A popular science-fiction idiom humorously applied to situations where opposition is pointless. (This is a cultural reference, not a technical term).

Related Idioms

• "The path of least resistance": The easiest course of action. This idiom borrows from the concept in physics where electric current follows the path with the lowest resistance.
  • When faced with a difficult decision, people often choose the path of least resistance.

Noun

1. a material's opposition to the flow of electric current; measured in ohms