How does power dissipation occur in a resistor?

Power dissipation in a resistor occurs primarily through the conversion of electrical energy into heat. When an electric current flows through a resistor, the resistance offered by the material impedes the flow of electrons. This resistance causes energy loss in the form of heat due to collisions between the electrons and the atoms in the resistor's material. The heat produced is a direct result of the electrical energy being converted into thermal energy, which can be calculated using the formula P = I²R, where P is the power dissipated, I is the current, and R is the resistance.

This process is fundamental to understanding how resistors function in electrical circuits, as they not only limit current flow but also convert electrical energy into heat, which can sometimes be utilized or may contribute to unwanted energy loss in the circuit.