Physics of Electrical Components

CS 441 Lecture, Dr. Lawlor

In order of delivered amps at 12 volts:
An electrical arc is actually a fairly useful component:
A surprising variety of electrical components can be constructed from ordinary wire:
You can determine many circuits' operating parameters using two laws:
A 0.1 ohm piece of wire will drop 1 volt if you push 10 amps through it, which takes 10 watts: the wire might get fairly warm, but will still be there.  The same wire taking 100 amps will drop 10 volts, so must dissipate 1000 watts: the wire is going to feel some serious heat!