Ohm’s devices — for an ideal ohmic resistor, the current–voltage (I–V) relationship is linear and passes through the origin. Does the claim “current and voltage have a nonlinear relationship” hold for ohmic conductors?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Incorrect — for ohmic resistors, V and I are linearly proportional (V = I * R)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Ohm’s law states that for an ohmic conductor the voltage across it is directly proportional to the current through it at a fixed temperature and physical state. This implies a straight-line I–V characteristic through the origin. The given claim asserts nonlinearity, which is not true for ideal resistors used in introductory circuit analysis.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Component is an ideal ohmic resistor.
  • Temperature and physical conditions are constant.
  • Small-signal and large-signal operation remain within the linear region.


Concept / Approach:
The defining relation of an ohmic resistor is V = I * R with constant R. If R is constant, doubling I doubles V. The graph of V vs. I is a straight line with slope R. Many real devices (diodes, lamps, thermistors) are indeed nonlinear, but the ohmic resistor model is linear by definition and underpins the superposition and Thevenin/Norton techniques learned early in circuits.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Start with Ohm’s law: V = I * R.Hold R constant; vary I: V changes proportionally.Plot V vs. I: a straight line through the origin with slope R.Conclude that for ohmic resistors the relationship is linear, not nonlinear.


Verification / Alternative check:
Bench measurements with a variable supply and ammeter show linear scaling of V and I for carbon film or metal film resistors operated within ratings. SPICE resistor elements are ideal linear by default.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • “All elements are nonlinear”: diodes/transistors are, but ohmic resistors are modeled as linear.
  • “Only at high temperature” and “depends on tolerance”: temperature and tolerance shift R but do not make the I–V relation mathematically nonlinear over the operating range.
  • “Because power depends on I^2”: that does not change the linear V–I law.


Common Pitfalls:
Generalizing nonlinearity from semiconductor examples to all components; confusing power formulas with I–V linearity.


Final Answer:
Incorrect — ohmic resistors have a linear I–V relationship.

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