I-V characteristics

• What does 'I-V characteristic' refer to?

  A graph of current versus potential difference
• How does the I-V characteristic of linear components appear?


  As a straight line
• What type of I-V characteristic do non-linear components have?

  A curved I-V characteristic
• What is the method to find a component's I-V characteristic?

  1. Set up the test circuit.
  2. Vary the variable resistor.
  3. Take readings from ammeter and voltmeter.
  4. Reverse the current direction.
  5. Plot current against voltage.
• What happens to the resistance of a filament lamp as current increases?

  The resistance increases
• Why does the graph for a filament lamp curve?

  Because resistance increases with temperature
• In which direction can current flow through a diode?

  Only in one direction
• What is the resistance of a diode in the reverse direction?

  Very high resistance
• How can you calculate resistance from an I-V characteristic?

  By using R = V/I
• What does the equation V = IR represent?

  The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance