Section 2.3 - Introduction to Resistors
Preventing Explosions 101
In this lesson, you’ll dive into the critical role of resistors in protecting electronic components, using an LED circuit as an example. You’ll start by revisiting the 9V battery setup in TinkerCAD and observing the error message that appears, highlighting the risks of excessive current. Through slides, you’ll learn why a resistor is needed to limit the current flow, along with an overview of how resistors function internally to reduce current. You’ll explore the different types and values of resistors, along with their color-coded labeling, which serves as a fun introduction to the resistor color code system—no need to memorize, but it’s helpful to understand. This is also a perfect time to introduce Ohm's Law (V = IR), explaining how voltage, current, and resistance relate to one another. Once you have the basics, you’ll return to TinkerCAD to wire a resistor into the LED circuit and power it with both a 9V and 1.5V battery, observing the differences in brightness and how the resistor safely controls the current. This practical exercise reinforces the theory and helps you see the resistor’s impact firsthand, preparing you to design safer and more efficient circuits.