What are the limitations of Ohms Law?

Hi Nishtha,

 

Ohm’s Law: The current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage applied to across the ends of the conductor.So, the V-I graph for a conductor following the Ohm’s law is a straight line with a positive slope.

 

Limitations of this law:

1.  Now, this law is valid for conductors only and that too at a constant temperature. The resistance of a conductor increases with temperature. Hence, for changing temperature the V-I graph for a conductor will be non-linear (not a straight line).

 

2.  In case of insulators ohm’s law is not followed at all, insulators do not conduct at all. But, when a very high voltage is applied across an insulator dielectric break down occurs and all of a sudden current begins to flow.

 

3.  Ohm’s law is not followed by semiconductors. The V-I graph has a steep rising at a particular voltage, which indicates that the material begins to conduct properly only after a certain voltage.

 

Hope this explanation helps you understand the limitations of the Ohm’s Law.

Do write back if you have any doubt or confusion.

Keep posting & have a nice day!