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GCSE Design and Technology · key term
A resistor connected in series with a component, such as an LED, to restrict the current and protect it from damage.
Used by Edexcel and Eduqas
Specification 1.6.3 · Paper 1
Revise: OutputsIn a simple supply circuit, an LED needs a current-limiting resistor in series. The same current passes through both components, and the resistor restricts that current to protect the LED from damage. Connecting a bare LED directly across an unsuitable supply can allow excessive current to flow.
Component 1
A component placed in series with another component to restrict the current flowing through it.
For a simple LED circuit, include a series current-limiting resistor and show the LED connected with the correct polarity.
For a series current-limiting resistor, use the voltage across the resistor, not automatically the whole supply voltage.
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An LED also needs a series current-limiting resistor: connecting it directly across a battery can destroy it. The resistor takes the difference between the supply voltage and the LED’s forward voltage.
