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How can we calculate the resistance of a fun lightbulb?

Apply Ohm's law to determine the resistance of the lightbulb. What's the process?

Answer:

Calculating the resistance of a lightbulb involves using Ohm's law (V=IR). But how do we actually do it in practice?

To find the resistance of a lightbulb using Ohm's law, you need to know the voltage applied across the lightbulb and the current flowing through it. Ohm's law is expressed as V = IR, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance. For example, if a 60-watt incandescent lightbulb has 120 volts applied across it, we first need to find the current using the power formula P = IV, where P is power. Rearranging this for current gives us I = P/V. Therefore, the current through the lightbulb would be I = 60W / 120V = 0.5A. Now, using Ohm's law, the resistance can be calculated as R = V/I. Substituting the values, we get R = 120V / 0.5A = 240Ω (Ohms).

Keep in mind that this is an ideal calculation, and in practice, the resistance of the lightbulb can vary due to factors such as temperature. The range of possible error in the result for the resistance could depend on the accuracy of the instruments used to measure the current and voltage, as well as any changes in the bulb's resistance due to temperature fluctuations when it is in operation.