What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
resistor
Example
The resistor is used to limit the current flowing through the LED. [resistor: noun]
Example
He added a resistor to the circuit to reduce the voltage level. [resistor: noun]
ballast
Example
The ballast is used to regulate the current flow in the fluorescent light. [ballast: noun]
Example
The electrician installed a ballast to stabilize the voltage level in the circuit. [ballast: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Resistor is a more common term than ballast in everyday language, as resistors are used in a wider range of electronic devices. Ballast is a more specialized term that is primarily used in lighting systems.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between resistor and ballast?
Both resistor and ballast are technical terms used in the field of electronics and are therefore considered formal language. However, resistor is more commonly used and may be more familiar to people outside the field of electronics.
