Understanding Ohm's Law: Current Draw of a Lightbulb

When you flick that switch and your lightbulb shines bright, ever wonder how we can figure out just how much current it's drawing? Yeah, it's pretty nifty, right? Let’s break it down step by step, especially if you're gearing up for the National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Exam. You might not be an engineer, but knowing a few electrical basics will definitely keep your science game sharp.

So, here’s the scenario: you’ve got a lightbulb with a resistance of 100 ohms, and you connect it to a voltage of 110 volts. The big question is—how much current does it draw? To answer this, we’ll turn to a classic helper: Ohm’s Law. This fundamental relationship in electrical engineering states that current (I) is equal to voltage (V) divided by resistance (R).

Got it? Let’s put it into action. The formula looks like this:

[ I = \frac{V}{R} ]

Pretty simple so far, right? Now, let’s plug in the numbers:

• Voltage (V) = 110 V
• Resistance (R) = 100 ohms

Thus, your calculation will look like this:

[ I = \frac{110 , \text{V}}{100 , \Omega} = 1.1 , \text{A} ]

And voila! You’ve just discovered that the lightbulb draws a current of 1.1 amperes. This answer not only gives you a sense of the power consumption, but it also illuminates (pun totally intended) how voltage, resistance, and current are linked.

Now, if you’re wondering about the real-world implications of this knowledge—don't fret! Understanding these concepts is crucial, especially when you're diving into more complex medical equipment in your nursing studies. After all, patient care often involves monitoring equipment that runs on electricity. So, grasping how currents work can give you a leg up.

And let’s take a quick detour. Have you ever thought about how appliances in your home are designed with specific resistances? That’s why a toaster might draw more current than a TV. The resistance can be different based on what each appliance does. Just like humans, you can say every device has its own personality!

It's fascinating how these principles lie at the core of everyday technology, isn’t it? So, as you prepare for the NLN PAX, don’t underestimate the power of Ohm's Law. It’s not just some abstract principle; it’s a lifesaver—literally!

Remember, when you apply Ohm's Law, you’re not just calculating numbers. You're building a foundation for understanding how the world of power and safety operates. This insight can be incredibly useful, not only for your exam but also in critical healthcare settings.

So there you have it. The next time you flick that light switch, you’ll know just how much energy your bulb is drawing—and hey, that knowledge is pretty bright!