> > Does anyone know why Ohm's law is writtem V=IR (E=IR) > > instead of I=V/R? Of course I know they're equivalent. > > I just wondered why - if I is the dependent variable and V > > and R are the independent variables - it's basic form > > isn't I=V/R. I was always taught R = V/I. Ohms law is the *definition* of resistance. Unlike many equations which are approximations, R always equals V/I. Now, that doesn't mean that R has to be a constant. Semiconductors obviously have a non-linear V/I curve. Most resistors are made up of substances which have a highly linear V/I curve. However, they can be temperature dependent (usually only slightly for good resistors). Even then, R is found by measuring V and I and then running it through the equation. *If* you know that R is approximately a constant, then you can use the other forms of the equation. -- D. Jay Newman ! jay@sprucegrove.com ! Xander: Giles, don't make cave-slayer unhappy. http://enerd.ws/robots/ ! -- http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu