Understanding Current Drawn by a Light Bulb Using Ohm's Law

When it comes to understanding the electrical world around us, grasping how current operates is key—especially if you're gearing up for the National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) exam. You might've encountered a question like: "How much current is drawn by a light bulb that has a resistance of 100 ohms with a voltage of 110 volts?" This isn’t just a trivial pursuit; it's about mastering Ohm's Law and applying it practically.

The choices given might look puzzling at first:

• A. 1.1 amperes
• B. 90 amperes
• C. 210 amperes
• D. 11,000 amperes

It’s pretty obvious that three of those seem wildly off, but what’s the trick? Let's break it down. Ohm’s Law states that the current (I) flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage (V) across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance (R) of the conductor. Wow, that sounds complex, doesn’t it? But don’t worry; it's simpler than it sounds!

Here’s the magic formula: [ I = \frac{V}{R} ]. In our example, you have 110 volts and 100 ohms. Plug those numbers into the formula, and what do you get?

When you compute it, you find: [ I = \frac{110 \text{ volts}}{100 \text{ ohms}} = 1.1 \text{ amperes} ].

So, a light bulb drawing current with these specs would draw 1.1 amperes. Not too shabby for illuminating your home, right? This makes option A your correct answer!

Now, why do the other options mislead? Honestly, they reflect misunderstandings, especially if someone’s not clear on how voltage and resistance work together. Just imagine if a light bulb actually pulled 11,000 amperes—your circuits would be in flames! Such high numbers are far outside the realm of typical household appliances. It’s a bit wild to think about, but it’s essential to get selected values right.

As you prepare for the NLN PAX, reminding yourself of these relationships is crucial. It’s easy to get lost in the details, but remember that understanding how current, voltage, and resistance interact in an electrical circuit is foundational—not just for exams but for any nursing practice involving electrical equipment.

Why is this important? Because in nursing, you'll often encounter scenarios using electrical devices. Knowledge of basic electrical principles can enhance your critical thinking, enabling you to make informed decisions about patient care.

So the next time you flick the switch and see that bulb light up, take a moment to appreciate the simplicity and brilliance of Ohm’s Law. The beauty of science is that it’s everywhere, even in the most mundane tasks of our everyday lives. And who knows? This little nugget of knowledge could help you shine bright in your nursing career!