Understanding Current in Electrical Circuits with Ohm's Law

If a light bulb has a resistance of 100 ohms and is connected to a voltage of 110 volts, what is the current drawn?

• A. 0.1 amperes
• B. 1.1 amperes
• C. 10 amperes
• D. 11 amperes

Answer: (B)

To determine the current drawn by the light bulb, you can use Ohm's law, which states that the current (I) is equal to the voltage (V) divided by the resistance (R). This can be expressed with the formula: \[ I = \frac{V}{R} \] In this scenario, the light bulb has a resistance of 100 ohms and is connected to a voltage of 110 volts. Plugging these values into the formula gives: \[ I = \frac{110 \, \text{volts}}{100 \, \text{ohms}} = 1.1 \, \text{amperes} \] This calculation leads to the conclusion that the current drawn by the light bulb is 1.1 amperes, making it the correct answer. This approach to using Ohm’s law is foundational in understanding electrical circuits, as it relates the three fundamental properties of voltage, current, and resistance in a straightforward manner.

Understanding the workings of electrical circuits is essential, especially for students gearing up for nursing exams like the NLN PAX. Let’s break down a fundamental concept using a straightforward example: a light bulb with a resistance of 100 ohms connected to a voltage of 110 volts. You're probably thinking, "How do I figure out how much current this light bulb draws?" Well, you've come to the right place!

Here’s the deal—Ohm’s Law is the superhero of electrical circuits. It tells us that current (I) is the voltage (V) divided by resistance (R). Let's put that in the spotlight:

[ I = \frac{V}{R} ]

Simple, right? So, for our light bulb scenario:

[ I = \frac{110 , \text{volts}}{100 , \text{ohms}} ]

When we crunch those numbers, voila! The current drawn is 1.1 amperes. Aha! So, option B—1.1 amperes—is our golden answer.

But you might be wondering, why does this matter? Well, understanding how to calculate current using Ohm's Law isn't just about passing an exam; it's about grasping the core principles of how electricity works. Think of it as the foundation that supports all your future learning in healthcare and electrical devices.

As you study for the NLN PAX, remember that every patient you encounter might have some connection to healthcare technologies that rely on these basic principles—whether it’s understanding how devices function or ensuring safety when using electrical equipment. Think of your knowledge of current as a bridge between basic science and real-world application.

On a side note, grasping these concepts can often feel a bit overwhelming. It’s normal to get lost in numbers and formulas, but here’s a little tip: visualize them. Picture the current flowing through the wires just like water flowing through a hose. The voltage is the pressure pushing the water, and the resistance is any narrowing in the hose that slows the flow down. Making connections like these not only makes things clearer but also more memorable.

Whether you're calculating current, voltage, or resistance, knowing how to apply Ohm’s Law can be a major confidence booster during your studies—kind of like having a cheat sheet for understanding electricity! So, keep practicing these calculations, and soon enough, it’ll become second nature to you.

In conclusion, diving into the world of electrical circuits can be both enlightening and essential for your nursing journey. So as you prepare for the NLN PAX, keep this formula in your toolkit—it's one of those little gems that can light up your understanding of the subject.