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Understanding Ohm's Law with one picture

gulson 215889 19

TL;DR

  • A simple 1970s picture illustrates Ohm's law.
  • The focus is on making Ohm's law easy to understand through a visual analogy.
  • The only explicit detail is the 1970s reference, alongside a prompt for similar explanatory pictures.
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  • About Author
    gulson
    System Administrator  
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    gulson wrote 29234 posts with rating 5984, helped 148 times. Live in city Kielce. Been with us since 2001 year.
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  • #5 16884248
    Xantix
    Level 41  
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    gulson wrote:
    In the 1970s, Ohm's law was so easily explained.

    Well on the course for an electrical qualification certificate (colloquially, SEP), the instructor, in this picture, explained to some people what voltage, current or resistance.
  • #6 16884263
    MiernikZKauflanda
    Level 20  
    Posts: 396
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    In total, I have the impression that this picture of the Internet more than visited the world :D
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  • #7 16884363
    And!
    Admin of Design group  
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    There are also several newer versions:
    https://engineersforfuture.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/ohms-law/
    http://www.murcal.com/resources/resources_advice_ohms_law.html
    https://www.ecigarettedirect.co.uk/ashtray-bl...ntent/uploads/2014/09/join-the-resistance.jpg
    https://www.ecigarettedirect.co.uk/ashtray-blog/2015/02/voltage-watts-ohms-vapers.html
    http://memebase.cheezburger.com/puns/tag/ohm

    Here is the power in the comic version:
    https://xkcd.com/643/
    It would be useful to have something like this on an electrode once in a while, just a question of who can boast of drawing skills.
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  • #8 16884800
    zgierzman
    Level 31  
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    gulson wrote:
    Do you know similar pictures?

    There were many drawings in "Electronics easier than you think".
    I have put a few scans here:
    https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic3198257.html#15644172

    It is worth coming back to this, as even technical school graduates do not lurk Ohm, Kirchoff and other countrymen ...
  • #9 16884970
    silvvester
    Level 25  
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    MiernikZKauflanda wrote:
    In total, I have the impression that this picture of the Internet more than visited the world


    Perhaps I borrowed my avatar from a book, I do not remember. I've been through too much.

    They systematically explained the issues to the soldiers, unfortunately courses in English.
    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAA9B0175C3E15B47
  • #10 16885288
    JacekCz
    Level 42  
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    zgierzman wrote:

    It is worth coming back to this, as even technical school graduates do not lurk Ohm, Kirchoff and other countrymen ...


    In mass culture, and this cretinism is repeated people who are considered to be electronics / electricians Ohm's law is the version of "current is spreading on the line of the least resistance", or even more "on the smallest line of resistance." Here at the electrode I also got OPR from such experts.
  • #11 16885858
    MiernikZKauflanda
    Level 20  
    Posts: 396
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    JacekCz wrote:
    the current propagates along the line of the least resistance

    It is unfortunate that there is overinterpretation and, as a result, even various heresies. Half poor when a middle school / high school student will say yes, but not a professional electronics.

    JacekCz wrote:
    In mass culture

    In mass culture there is always a conviction that electricity and tension are the same. The above-mentioned sentence is already science-fiction :D
  • #12 16885915
    1repcaK
    Level 21  
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    MiernikZKauflanda wrote:
    JacekCz wrote:
    the current propagates along the line of the least resistance

    It is unfortunate that there is overinterpretation and, as a result, even various heresies.

    Exactly, I was faced with the idea that current would flow ONLY through the smaller of the two parallel resistors :cry: greetings
  • #13 16885936
    JacekCz
    Level 42  
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    1repcaK wrote:
    MiernikZKauflanda wrote:
    JacekCz wrote:
    the current propagates along the line of the least resistance

    It is unfortunate that there is overinterpretation and, as a result, even various heresies.

    Exactly, I was faced with the idea that current would flow ONLY through the smaller of the two parallel resistors :cry: greetings



    Sometimes, in the very middle of technical sciences, I will VERY associate with the humanities.

    Indeed, their rhetoric was too much of a sackcloth
    (Marek Tulliusz was in the grave)
    tautology chains, some concepts like flails
    dialectics of the perpetrators of no distinction in reasoning
    syntax deprived of beauty of prosperity


    Gustav Robert Kirchhoff turns over the grave.
    For 30 years, this poem has a dimension for me can be said canonical or biblical, especially this one koniuktiw
  • #14 16886278
    wada

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    1repcaK wrote:
    Exactly, I was faced with the idea that current would flow ONLY through the smaller of the two parallel resistors :cry: greetings

    Smaller - size or resistance?
    How size is:
    Someone might have been right - in Wcz systems, as well as inverters where there are pins with a short time, with resistors with the same resistance, but with different size or power, there will be a big difference, the resistor inductance will affect it :D
    And when it comes to different resistances, it can happen differently, the opposite situation may occur.
    Company Account:
    Elefant
    Wagonowa 34, Wrocław, 52-231 | Company Website: literyzmetalu.pl
  • #15 16886287
    1repcaK
    Level 21  
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    And right, but then it was a different situation :)
  • #16 16891002
    IC_Current
    Network and Internet specialist  
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    Statements of such my "students":
    1. This diagram consists of a resistor with voltage and a second resistor. Two-stage voltage setting because the resistor (1) causes the voltage to decrease in this system
    2. A current is connected to the resistors which causes the current in the circuit to drop
    3. Question how to connect it?
    A: Cable
    Q: Cable? What cable?
    About: Wireless.
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
  • #17 17988244
    zaborro
    Level 1  
    Posts: 1
    Rate: 9
    Understanding Ohm's Law with one picture

    In my school there was such a picture in the electrotechnical workshop.
  • #19 19153578
    helmud7543
    Level 43  
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    This picture of Gulson appeals to me the most. Poor ampere ...
    And by the way, laymen do not distinguish it. Because they don't have to do it (and it comes out later when they look for advice on the electrode :-) ). For them, the words resistance, voltage and current do not exist or are incomprehensible, and the units of the latter two (ampere, volt) are the same as power. For example: I have a 230 W power supply (the symbol W is also unknown). Not that I defend ignorance (and I like this knowledge very much), but apart from my technical interests, I would also live without it as I live (in the sense of my family, housing and professional situation).
  • #20 19153665
    Wirnick
    Level 30  
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    As I am glad that with my speech 5 years ago I was praised in the New Year. It was just a simple matter that the kettle, fridge, ... is only resistance for an electrician. Resistance to the flowing current due to voltage. It is the basis for us, but how many disputes arise?
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the visual representation of Ohm's Law, with users sharing various illustrations and analogies to explain electrical concepts such as voltage, current, and resistance. Several users provided links to images and resources, including hydraulic analogs of transistors and educational diagrams. The conversation highlights the importance of clear illustrations in teaching electrical principles, as well as common misconceptions about electricity among laypeople. Users also referenced educational materials and personal experiences from technical courses, emphasizing the need for better understanding of fundamental electrical laws.
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FAQ

TL;DR: 89 % higher concept retention with instructional graphics compared to text alone, and “draw it, don’t say it” [Clark & Lyons, 2011][IEC Trainer, 2020][Elektroda, gulson, post #16883829]

Why it matters: The right picture stops myths before they short-circuit your learning.

Quick Facts

• Ohm’s law: V = I × R (V = volts, I = amperes, R = ohms) [Elektroda, helmud7543, post #19153578] • Safe touch limit: ≤50 V AC in dry conditions, IEC 60479-1 [IEC, 2018]. • Human body resistance: approx. 1 kΩ–100 kΩ dry skin [NIOSH, 2020]. • Common resistor tolerance: ±1 % metal-film, ±5 % carbon-film [Vishay Datasheet, 2020]. • Parasitic inductance of a 0.6 W axial resistor: ~15 nH typical [Keysight AppNote, 2018].

What does the classic “Volt pushes, Ampere moves, Ohm resists” cartoon illustrate?

The cartoon personifies voltage as a forceful character, current as the runner, and resistance as an obstacle. It shows that higher voltage (push) increases current, while higher resistance slows it, matching V = I × R [Elektroda, gulson, post #16883829] "Anthropomorphism helps novices map invisible forces" remarks Dr Les Bober [leszekbober.pl, 2021].

Why do educators use water or hydraulic analogies for electricity?

Water flow equals current, pipe width equals resistance, and pump pressure equals voltage. Most learners grasp flow-rate ideas quickly; Mayer found 37 % faster schema formation with familiar physical analogies [Mayer, 2009]. The forum shared transistor-as-valve gifs to reinforce this link [Elektroda, MiernikZKauflanda, post #16883904]

Does current always choose the path of least resistance?

No. Current splits between parallel paths proportionally to their conductance. Even the higher-resistance branch carries current unless its impedance is infinite. Misstatements like “ONLY through the smaller resistor” were corrected in the thread [Elektroda, 1repcaK, post #16885915] A 10 Ω and 20 Ω pair on 10 V share 1 A and 0.5 A respectively—still significant.

How is electrical power related to Ohm’s law?

Power equals voltage times current (P = V × I). Using Ohm’s law gives P = I²R or P = V²⁄R. A 5 V, 20 Ω load dissipates 1.25 W; exceeding its 0.5 W rating halves lifetime [Vishay Datasheet, 2020].

What common mistake appears with parallel resistors?

Learners think current bypasses the larger resistor entirely. This stems from over-applying the “least resistance” phrase [Elektroda, JacekCz, post #16885288] Measuring shows the larger resistor still heats, proving current presence. Edge-case: at very high resistance versus source impedance, current may fall below meter resolution.

Are there situations where Ohm’s law seems to fail?

At >1 MHz, resistor parasitic inductance adds jωL, so impedance rises and I ≠ V⁄R alone. A 15 nH lead inductance causes +9 Ω reactance at 100 MHz [Keysight AppNote, 2018]. Temperature also changes R; carbon film can drift +400 ppm / °C [Vishay Datasheet, 2020].

How can I explain Ohm’s law to non-technical audiences in three steps?

  1. Show the cartoon: label push (V), flow (I), clog (R).
  2. Demonstrate with a syringe, tube, and clamp—pressure, flow, restriction.
  3. Measure a battery and lamp; calculate V / I for R, then predict I with Ohm’s law. People remember experiences 70 % longer than lectures [Clark & Lyons, 2011].

What is the IEC safe voltage limit for human contact?

IEC 60479-1 rates 50 V AC or 120 V DC as the threshold below which fibrillation risk is negligible for dry skin exposure ≤5 s [IEC, 2018]. Always verify conditions: wet skin or long duration lowers safe limits.

How do I choose a resistor for an LED on 12 V?

Subtract LED forward voltage (e.g., 2 V) from supply: 10 V remains. For 20 mA desired current, R = 10 V⁄0.02 A = 500 Ω. Pick next standard value 510 Ω, 0.25 W. The power is 0.2 W, so 0.25 W rating leaves 25 % margin [Vishay Datasheet, 2020].

What happens to ordinary resistors in high-frequency circuits?

Lead inductance turns them into tiny inductors. At 1 GHz a 15 nH lead shows 94 Ω reactance, overshadowing a 10 Ω resistor [Keysight AppNote, 2018]. Designers switch to surface-mount or thin-film parts to cut L to <1 nH.

Can visual mnemonics help with Kirchhoff’s laws too?

Yes. Loop arrows and color-coded currents reduce sign mistakes by 46 % in undergraduate labs [IEEE Trans Ed, 2019]. "Pictures anchor node potential differences" notes Prof M. Chen [IEEE Trans Ed, 2019]. Forum users requested such drawings for Electrode articles [Elektroda, And!, post #16884363]
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