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resistor
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resistor Two simple circuit diagrams, each with a battery, resistor, and ammeter. The left diagram shows the ammeter before the resistor; the right diagram shows it after the resistor. Diagram showing two resistor configurations: on the left, resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series between points a and b; on the right, resistors R1 and R2 are connected in parallel between points c and d. A diagram showing the relationships among resistor, capacitor, inductor, and memristor, with circuit symbols, equations, and arrows connecting voltage, current, charge, and magnetic flux variables.
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resistor
resistor Different types of resistors.

resistor

electronics
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resistor, electrical component that opposes the flow of either direct or alternating current, employed to protect, operate, or control the circuit. Voltages can be divided with the use of resistors, and in combination with other components resistors can be used to make electrical waves into shapes most suited for the electrical designer’s requirements. Resistors can have a fixed value of resistance, or they can be made variable or adjustable within a certain range, in which case they may be called rheostats, or potentiometers.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.