How Does Voltage Drop Across a Resistor?

[member 392791]

Hello,

I am having conceptual difficulties trying to understand how voltage is dropped across a resistor. The whole idea of it is confusing to me, where does this voltage go?

Could it be explained in terms of point charges and electric fields, which is how I am able to visualize potential difference.

The way I see it, the positive charges move across a resistor and face some sort of resistance to their motion, but how does that relate to the charges losing potential?

 

[mfb]

where does this voltage go?

Voltage is not a material, it does not "go" somewhere.
Where does the height of a ladder (not your height!) "go" if you climb it down?

The way I see it, the positive charges move across a resistor and face some sort of resistance to their motion, but how does that relate to the charges losing potential?

They need some energy to cross the resistor. Moving positive charges are quite rare.

 

[CWatters]

where does this voltage go

Think of it in terms of power.

Power = I ΔV.

It escapes as heat.

 

[kitoper]

positive charges don't move as much as the electrons move to fill "electron holes"

 

[sardar]

Thank you for your question. The concept of voltage drop across a resistor can be a bit confusing, so let me try to explain it in simpler terms.

First, let's define what voltage is. Voltage is the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric circuit. Think of it as the force that pushes electrons through a circuit.

Now, when we talk about voltage drop across a resistor, we are referring to the decrease in voltage as the current passes through the resistor. This is due to the resistance of the resistor, which resists the flow of electrons and causes a decrease in voltage.

In terms of point charges and electric fields, you can think of the resistor as a "roadblock" in the path of the electrons. As the electrons pass through the resistor, they experience resistance and lose energy, resulting in a decrease in voltage. This can also be seen as a decrease in the electric potential between the two points.

In short, the voltage drop across a resistor is simply the result of the resistance it provides to the flow of electrons in a circuit. I hope this helps clarify the concept for you. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.