Resistors: Is Power Rating Related to Resistance Value? Evaluate the statement: “Power rating is related to resistance value.”

Introduction / Context:
Power rating specifies how much heat a resistor can safely dissipate continuously without exceeding temperature limits. Designers must distinguish this thermal property from the electrical resistance value in ohms to avoid overstress and failure.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Power rating is a thermal/physical characteristic tied to size, material, construction, cooling, and environment.
• Resistance value (ohms) determines current/voltage relationships via Ohm’s law.
• Both properties appear together on datasheets but are fundamentally different.

Concept / Approach:

Resistors of many different resistance values can share the same power rating if their construction and size are similar. Conversely, the same resistance value can be offered in multiple power ratings (e.g., 10 kΩ available in 0.25 W, 0.5 W, 1 W packages). Thus, rating is not inherently tied to the ohmic value.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Catalogs show identical 10 kΩ parts in multiple package sizes (and thus different wattage ratings), confirming independence between resistance value and power rating.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Claims tying rating to DC only, to wirewound types, or to tolerance confuse specific constraints with the fundamental independence of thermal rating from ohmic value.

Common Pitfalls:

Assuming a high-resistance part automatically has a higher power rating; in reality, small SMT resistors often have low power ratings regardless of resistance value.

Final Answer:

False