Current-Voltage Characteristics

Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics describe how the electric current (flow of electrons) in a device or material responds when a voltage (electric potential difference) is applied. This relationship shows whether the device acts as a resistor, conductor, or special component like a diode. An I-V curve visually represents this behavior: a straight line suggests constant resistance, while curves indicate more complex properties. Understanding these characteristics helps engineers design and analyze electronic components, ensuring they function properly within circuits. Essentially, it's a way to see how much current flows for a given voltage, revealing a device’s electrical behavior.