Current-Voltage Characteristic

The current-voltage (I-V) characteristic describes how electrical current (the flow of electric charge) responds to an applied voltage (electrical potential difference) across a device or component. It shows the relationship between voltage and current, often depicted as a graph. For example, in a resistor, increasing voltage results in a proportional increase in current. Nonlinear devices, like diodes, have more complex relationships, allowing current to flow only in certain directions or under specific conditions. Understanding the I-V characteristic helps in analyzing and designing electrical circuits for desired behavior and performance.