Question

Why is resistor used?

Answer 1

A resistor is used in electrical circuits to limit or control the flow of electric current. It provides resistance, which is the opposition to the current. Without resistors, the current could flow too freely, potentially damaging components or causing unsafe conditions.

Here are the main reasons why resistors are used:

1. **Current Limiting**: They prevent excessive current from flowing through a circuit, which could damage sensitive components like LEDs, transistors, or microchips.

2. **Voltage Division**: Resistors can divide voltage in a circuit. This is useful when you need different voltages for different parts of the circuit.

3. **Heat Generation**: Resistors convert electrical energy into heat, which is used in some applications, like in heating devices or to protect other components.

4. **Signal Conditioning**: They can be used in combination with other components like capacitors and inductors to filter or shape signals in circuits.

5. **Protection**: They help protect other components in the circuit from high current or voltage by controlling the flow.

In short, resistors are essential for controlling current, voltage, and protecting components in an electrical circuit.