Non-ohmic behaviour
What Non-ohmic behaviour means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Non-ohmic behaviour
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Non-ohmic behaviour in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A component shows this when its resistance alters as current changes, so it does not keep the ratio of potential difference to current constant.
A thermistor is a non-ohmic component because its resistance changes with temperature rather than remaining constant.
Topics that use Non-ohmic behaviour
- Resistors (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Charge carriers in semiconductors
- Circuit construction and diagrams
- Circuit design for valid measurement
- Current–potential difference characteristics
- Diode
- Experimental measurement and error
- Filament lamp
- Forward bias
Using Non-ohmic behaviour in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Combined Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge