Convert ohms to milliamperes via Ohm’s law: With a 40 V source and total resistance of 6.8 kΩ, approximately how many milliamperes flow?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 5.9 mA

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Reading milliampere-level currents from kilohm-level resistances is a standard task in analog design and instrumentation. This problem emphasizes correct prefix conversion and clean division.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Voltage V = 40 V.
  • Resistance R = 6.8 kΩ = 6800 Ω.
  • Compute current I and express it in mA.


Concept / Approach:
From Ohm’s law I = V / R. Because R is in kilohms, the result will be in milliamperes; 1 V across 1 kΩ gives 1 mA, a useful mental check known as the 1-k rule of thumb.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Convert resistance: 6.8 kΩ = 6800 Ω.Compute current: I = 40 / 6800 A ≈ 0.005882 A.Express in mA: 0.005882 A ≈ 5.88 mA ≈ 5.9 mA.


Verification / Alternative check:
Use the 1-k shortcut: I(mA) ≈ V / R(kΩ) = 40 / 6.8 ≈ 5.88 mA. This quick method matches the detailed computation exactly.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 27.2 mA: Would correspond to about 1.47 kΩ, not 6.8 kΩ.
  • 59 mA: Off by a factor of 10; implies R ≈ 0.68 kΩ.
  • 590 mA: Two orders of magnitude too large for kilohm resistances at tens of volts.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Leaving resistance in kΩ while using volts and forgetting the implied milli result.
  • Rounding prematurely and selecting 6 mA vs the more precise 5.9 mA choice.


Final Answer:
5.9 mA

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