Understanding Electrical Circuits

This Ohm's law simulation online provides an interactive 3D visualization of electron flow through a conductor. Ohm's law, expressed as V = I × R, is one of the most fundamental principles in electrical engineering and physics, relating voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in a simple yet powerful equation.

Watch as electrons move through the conductor in real-time, responding dynamically to changes in voltage, current, and resistance. This hands-on approach makes abstract electrical concepts concrete and easy to understand for students at all levels.

Circuit Parameters

How Electrons Behave

  • Voltage Increase (↑): Electrons move much faster in a focused stream with higher kinetic energy, creating a stronger electric field
  • Current Increase (↑): More electrons flow through the conductor at controlled density, representing greater charge movement per second
  • Resistance Increase (↑): Electrons slow down and exhibit more random motion due to increased collisions with conductor atoms

Learning About Ohm's Law

The Ohm's law simulation online demonstrates the direct proportionality between voltage and current when resistance is constant. German physicist Georg Ohm discovered this fundamental relationship in 1827, and it remains essential for analyzing electrical circuits today.

In this simulation, you can manipulate any two parameters and observe how the third automatically adjusts to maintain the V = I × R relationship. This interactive approach helps students develop intuitive understanding of electrical behavior that goes beyond memorizing formulas.

Applications: Ohm's law is used in designing circuits, calculating power consumption, sizing resistors, and troubleshooting electrical problems. From smartphone chargers to industrial power systems, this principle governs how electricity flows through conductors.

Educational Note: While this simulation focuses on electrical flow, similar visualization principles apply to other physics phenomena. For instance, a thermal expansion experiment could demonstrate how materials respond to temperature changes through visual measurement, just as this shows electrical behavior through electron motion.

How to Use This Simulation:

Adjust any slider to change circuit parameters • Watch electrons respond in real-time • Observe the automatic calculation following Ohm's law • Rotate the 3D view by clicking and dragging