What is the standard unit of electrical resistance?

• A. Watt (W)
• B. Volt (V)
• C. Ohm (Ω)
• D. Ampere (A)

Answer: (C)

The standard unit of electrical resistance is the Ohm, represented by the symbol Ω. This unit is named after Georg Simon Ohm, a German physicist known for formulating Ohm's Law, which describes the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in an electrical circuit. According to Ohm's Law, resistance is defined as the ratio of voltage to current, expressed mathematically as R = V/I.

The significance of the Ohm lies in its role in determining how much current flows through a conductor when a specific voltage is applied. A higher resistance means less current flow for a given voltage, while lower resistance allows more current to flow. Understanding resistance and how it's measured in Ohms is fundamental in electrical engineering and circuit analysis, as it affects how circuits are designed and how electrical components interact.

In contrast, the Watt is the unit of power, representing the rate of energy transfer; the Volt measures electric potential or voltage; and the Ampere is the unit of electric current. Each of these units serves a distinct purpose in electrical measurements, and while they are interconnected through concepts like Ohm's Law, only Ohm specifically quantifies resistance.