Dc Voltage Drop Formula, Definition, Steps, Examples

Dc Voltage Drop Formula: The voltage drop equation is used to compute the reduction in voltage within an electrical circuit. Voltage drop refers to the decline in electric potential as the electric current traverses the circuit. This decrease in voltage is a result of impedance. Formula for DC Voltage Drop: The DC voltage drop can be calculated using the formula:

V=IR

Where,

V represents the voltage drop in the circuit

I is the current flowing through the circuit

R denotes the resistance in the circuit

How to Calculate Voltage Drop

To calculate voltage drop, follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Identify the resistance of the wire or component through which the current is passing. Obtain this information from the manufacturer's specifications or measure the resistance using an ohmmeter.

Step 2: Determine the current flowing through the wire or component. Utilize an ammeter or calculate the current using Ohm's law (I = V/R), where  I is the current,  V is the voltage, and  R is the resistance.

Step 3: Compute the voltage drop across the wire or component. Multiply the current by the resistance (V = I x R) to find the voltage drop.

Dc Voltage Drop Formula Solved Examples

Example 1: Question: Find the DC voltage drop when a current of 30 amperes flows through a circuit with a resistance of 8 ohms.

Solution: Given: Current ( I) = 30 A Resistance ( R) = 8 ohms

Using the Dc Voltage Drop Formula V=IR:

V=(30)(8)

V=240 volts

Example 2: Question: Calculate the voltage drop in a circuit with a current of 15 amperes and a resistance of 12 ohms.

Solution: Given: Current ( I) = 15 A Resistance (R) = 12 ohms

Using the Dc Voltage Drop Formula V=IR:

V=(15)(12)

V=180 volts

Example 3: Question: Determine the DC voltage drop for a wire with a resistance of 6 ohms through which a current of 40 amperes is passing.

Solution: Given: Current ( I) = 40 A Resistance (  R) = 6 ohms

Using the Dc Voltage Drop Formula V=IR:

V=(40)(6)

V=240 volts

Example 4: Question: Find the voltage drop when a current of 25 amperes flows through a circuit with a resistance of 10 ohms.

Solution: Given: Current ( I) = 25 A Resistance (  R) = 10 ohms

Using the Dc Voltage Drop Formula V=IR:

V=(25)(10)

V=250 volts

Example 5: Question: Calculate the DC voltage drop across a resistor with a resistance of 15 ohms when a current of 18 amperes passes through it.

Solution: Given: Current ( I) = 18 A Resistance ( R) = 15 ohms

Using the Dc Voltage Drop Formula V=IR:

V=(18)(15)

V=270 volts

Example 6: Question: Determine the voltage drop in a circuit with a resistance of 20 ohms through which a current of 35 amperes is flowing.

Solution: Given: Current ( I) = 35 A Resistance (  R) = 20 ohms

Using the Dc Voltage Drop Formula V=IR:

V=(35)(20)

V=700 volts

Example 7: Question: Find the DC voltage drop when a current of 22 amperes passes through a wire with a resistance of 14 ohms.

Solution: Given: Current (I) = 22 A Resistance (R) = 14 ohms

Using the Dc Voltage Drop Formula V=IR:

V=(22)(14)

V=308 volts

The DC voltage drop formula ( V=IR) serves as a fundamental tool in electrical engineering for assessing the reduction in voltage across a wire or component within a circuit. By applying this formula, where  V represents voltage drop,  I is the current, and  R is the resistance, one can accurately quantify the impact of electrical impedance on a circuit. This formula provides a systematic approach to understanding and calculating voltage drop, facilitating efficient design and maintenance of electrical systems.