Calculating Current Flowing Through a Resistor

Question 3

The potential difference across a 5 kΩ resistor is 12 V. Find the current flowing through the resistor:

1. 0.998 mA
2. 1.77 mA
3. 2.4 mA
4. 60 mA

Answer:

The current flowing through the resistor is approximately 2.4 mA.

Explanation

To find the current flowing through the resistor, we can use Ohm's law, which states that the current (I) flowing through a resistor is equal to the voltage (V) across the resistor divided by the resistance (R). In this case, we are given the potential difference (V) across the resistor as 12 V and the resistance (R) as 5 kΩ (5 kiloohms). We need to convert the resistance to ohms before we can proceed with the calculation.

1 kiloohm (kΩ) is equal to 1000 ohms, so 5 kΩ is equal to 5000 ohms. Using Ohm's law, we can calculate the current as follows:

I = V / R

I = 12 V / 5000 Ω

I ≈ 0.0024 A

To convert amperes (A) to milliamperes (mA), we multiply the value by 1000:

0.0024 A × 1000 = 2.4 mA

Final Answer: The current flowing through the resistor is 2.4 mA.

Explanation: To find the current flowing through the resistor, we can use Ohm's law, which states that V = I * R, where V is the potential difference, I is the current, and R is the resistance. Rearranging the equation, I = V / R. Plugging in the values, we have I = 12 V / 5000 Ω = 0.0024 A = 2.4 mA. Therefore, the current flowing through the resistor is 2.4 mA.