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Resistor Color Code:
Brown (1) Black (0) Orange (10³) Gold (±5%)
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A 10k resistor is a common electronic component that limits the flow of electric current. The "10k" stands for 10,000 ohms (Ω), which is its resistance value. It's widely used in various electronic circuits for voltage division, current limiting, and pull-up/pull-down applications.
Resistors use colored bands to indicate their resistance value and tolerance. The standard 4-band code consists of:
For a 10k resistor with ±5% tolerance:
| Band | Color | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Brown | 1 |
| 2nd | Black | 0 |
| 3rd | Orange | ×10³ |
| 4th | Gold | ±5% |
Calculation: (1 × 10 + 0) × 10³ = 10 × 1000 = 10,000 Ω (10k Ω)
Common Uses: Voltage dividers, pull-up/pull-down resistors for digital inputs, current limiting for LEDs, timing circuits with capacitors, and as feedback resistors in amplifier circuits.
Q1: Why does a 10k resistor have brown-black-orange bands?
A: The colors represent the digits (1 and 0) and multiplier (10³) that combine to make 10,000 ohms.
Q2: What's the difference between gold and silver tolerance bands?
A: Gold indicates ±5% tolerance, silver indicates ±10%. More precise resistors may have other colors.
Q3: Can I use a 10k resistor for any application?
A: While versatile, you must choose resistors based on required resistance, power rating, and tolerance for each specific circuit.
Q4: How do I measure an actual resistor's value?
A: Use a multimeter set to resistance mode. Compare measured value to color code to verify.
Q5: Are there 5-band or 6-band resistors?
A: Yes, precision resistors may have additional bands for more digits or temperature coefficients.