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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hame-max-power-transfer

For maximum power transfer from a source, the load resistance should equal what?

The source's internal resistance.

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  1. Zero ohms
  2. Ten times the source resistance
  3. The source's internal resistance ✔

Why: Maximum load power occurs when the load resistance equals the internal resistance of the driving source. The catch is that efficiency at that point is only 50 percent.

Huh, didn't know that: At maximum power transfer, the load voltage and load current are each half of their maximums.

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Why did Mr. Ohm marry Mrs. Ohm? He couldn't resistor!
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References

Answer: The source's internal resistance. Maximum load power occurs when the load resistance equals the internal resistance of the driving source. The catch is that efficiency at that point is only 50 percent.

  1. Engineering LibreTexts, DC Electrical Circuit Analysis, 6.6 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem eng.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Electrical_Engineering/Electronics/DC_Electrical_Circuit_Analysis_-_A_Practical_Approach_(Fiore)/06%3A_Analysis_Theorems_and_Techniques/6.6%3A_Maximum_Power_Transfer_Theorem
    Maximum load power will be achieved when the load resistance is equal to the internal resistance of the driving source.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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