Electric Resistance Converter
Convert between various units of electric resistance, including ohms, kilohms, megohms, and more.
How to Convert Ohms to Kilohms
Divide the number of ohms by 1,000 to get kilohms.
Example: 5,000 Ω ÷ 1,000 = 5 kΩ
How to Convert Kilohms to Ohms
Multiply the number of kilohms by 1,000 to get ohms.
Example: 3 kΩ × 1,000 = 3,000 Ω
How to Convert Megohms to Ohms
Multiply the number of megohms by 1,000,000 to get ohms.
Example: 2 MΩ × 1,000,000 = 2,000,000 Ω
Electric Resistance Conversion FAQs
- How do you convert ohms to kilohms?
- What is the formula for kilohms to ohms?
- How do you convert megohms to ohms?
- What is electric resistance conversion?
- How many ohms are in a megohm?
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About Electric Resistance Units
Electric resistance is a measure of how much a material opposes the flow of electric current. The SI unit of electrical resistance is the ohm (Ω), which represents the resistance of a conductor through which a current of one ampere flows when a potential difference of one volt is applied.
Common Electric Resistance Units
- Ohm (Ω): The SI unit of electric resistance. Named after German physicist Georg Simon Ohm.
- Milliohm (mΩ): Equal to 10-3 ohms. Used for measuring very small resistances like those in connectors and PCB traces.
- Microohm (μΩ): Equal to 10-6 ohms. Used in precision measurements of very low resistances like those in superconductors.
- Kilohm (kΩ): Equal to 103 ohms. Commonly used in electronics for resistors.
- Megohm (MΩ): Equal to 106 ohms. Used for high-resistance components and insulation measurements.
- Gigaohm (GΩ): Equal to 109 ohms. Used for extremely high-resistance measurements in specialized applications.
- Abohm: A unit in the CGS electromagnetic system, equal to 10-9 ohms.
- Statohm: A unit in the CGS electrostatic system, equal to approximately 9 × 1011 ohms.
Ohm's Law
The fundamental relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R):
Where R is in ohms, V is in volts, and I is in amperes.
Resistivity and Resistance
The resistance of a specific conductor can be calculated using its resistivity (ρ), length (L), and cross-sectional area (A):
Where R is in ohms, ρ is in ohm-meters, L is in meters, and A is in square meters.
Typical Resistance Values
| Material/Component | Typical Resistance Range | Application/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Superconductors (below critical temperature) | 0 Ω | MRI machines, particle accelerators |
| Copper wire (typical household) | 0.1 - 10 Ω | Electrical wiring |
| Standard resistors (electronics) | 1 Ω - 10 MΩ | Circuit components |
| Human body (hand to hand) | 1 kΩ - 100 kΩ | Varies with moisture, contact area |
| Electrical insulation | 1 MΩ - 10 TΩ | Electrical safety |
| Air (dry) | 1016 Ω·m (resistivity) | Electrical isolation |
Resistors in Circuits
Series Connection
When resistors are connected in series, their resistances add:
Parallel Connection
When resistors are connected in parallel, their conductances add:
Electric Resistance Applications
- Electronics: Resistors are fundamental components in electronic circuits used to control current flow, divide voltage, and provide biasing.
- Heating Elements: Electric heaters use resistive elements to convert electrical energy to heat (Joule heating).
- Sensors: Many sensors like thermistors, strain gauges, and photoresistors work based on changes in electrical resistance.
- Power Transmission: Minimizing resistance in power lines is crucial for efficient electricity distribution.
- Electrical Safety: Insulation resistance measurements ensure electrical systems are safely isolated.
- Medical Devices: Bioelectrical impedance analysis uses resistance measurements to estimate body composition.
Power Dissipation in Resistors
Power (P) dissipated in a resistor is related to current (I) and resistance (R) by:
Where P is in watts, I is in amperes, R is in ohms, and V is in volts.